Herbert suggests Piastri could consider leaving McLaren after Norris' title win
Johnny Herbert speculates Oscar Piastri could grow frustrated enough at McLaren to seek a move elsewhere, despite the team's championship-winning capability. He notes a switch to Ferrari or Mercedes offers no title guarantee, while joining Red Bull would mean facing Max Verstappen as a teammate.
Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has suggested Oscar Piastri might consider leaving McLaren due to potential frustration, despite the team proving it can deliver a championship-winning car. Herbert highlighted the dilemma for Piastri: stay with a proven winner or gamble on a move to another top team with no title guarantees.
Why it matters:
Piastri's future is a key subplot following Lando Norris' 2025 drivers' championship. As a race winner with clear title ambitions, his contentment within a team now built around a reigning champion is crucial for McLaren's long-term stability and the broader driver market.
The details:
- Herbert, speaking via a gambling platform, stated he "can see Oscar Piastri looking to move on from McLaren" if frustration mounts, though he immediately questioned the logic of leaving a title-capable team.
- The former driver pointed out there is "no guarantee at all" Piastri would win a title if he moved to Ferrari or Mercedes, noting McLaren and Red Bull are currently the teams "in the moment."
- Herbert identified Red Bull as a potential destination that could offer a title chance, but flagged the significant challenge of being teammate to Max Verstappen.
- Separately, former Haas boss Guenther Steiner suggested Piastri needs to introspectively assess the reasons behind his dip in form after his Dutch Grand Prix victory earlier in the season.
The big picture:
Piastri finds himself in a classic number-two driver predicament at a championship-winning team. His performance trajectory and ambition will be weighed against the security of a top car and the potential political dynamics of being Norris' teammate. With his contract running through 2026, any move before then would be complex and costly for a rival team.
What's next:
All eyes will be on the McLaren driver dynamic in 2026. Piastri's performance relative to Norris and his public demeanor will be scrutinized for signs of discontent. His long-term future will likely become a major talking point as the 2026 season approaches and teams finalize their plans for the new regulations.