Steiner Predicts Piastri's McLaren Exit Despite Long-Term Deal

Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has made a bold prediction, stating that Oscar Piastri's future in Formula 1 is likely to be away from McLaren, despite the Australian recently signing a multi-year contract extension. Steiner's comments highlight the transient nature of F1 careers and the constant pursuit of a championship-winning car.

Why it matters:

• Steiner's direct prediction, coming from an experienced F1 figure, raises questions about the long-term stability of driver contracts, especially when championship aspirations are not met.
• For a young, highly-rated driver like Piastri, securing a seat in a 'good car' is paramount, suggesting that even a long-term deal with a competitive team like McLaren might not be enough if title contention remains elusive.
• This speculation adds another layer of intrigue to the ever-evolving F1 driver market, where talent often seeks the best opportunity for success.

The details:

• On the Red Flags podcast, Steiner was asked if Piastri should leave McLaren at the end of his contract, to which he firmly replied, "Yes." He emphasized, "Especially if he doesn't win the championship. I think he has got a good chance to get in any other good car. He's a good driver and change sometimes is good. He's young enough, he can adapt to it."
• Piastri signed a significant contract extension at the start of the season, tying him to McLaren until at least 2028. His teammate, Lando Norris, has a contract set to expire at the end of 2027.
• This suggests that McLaren intends to maintain its current driver lineup for at least the next two seasons, barring any unforeseen major shifts in the driver market.

Between the lines:

• Steiner's comments are not just about Piastri's future but also subtly hint at the pressure on McLaren to deliver a championship-contending car. If McLaren can't provide Piastri with a title-winning machine, a driver of his caliber will inevitably look elsewhere.
• The 'good car' comment implies that while McLaren is strong, there might be other opportunities that Steiner perceives as even better for a championship push.

What's next:

• While Piastri is contractually bound to McLaren for the foreseeable future, Steiner's prediction underscores the dynamic nature of F1. Driver loyalty often aligns with performance and championship potential.
• The focus will remain on McLaren's performance in the upcoming seasons. If the team continues to build on its recent improvements and challenges for titles, Piastri's long-term commitment is likely to solidify. However, if championship glory remains out of reach, the speculation about his future will undoubtedly intensify as his contract nears its end. It's a high-stakes game where contracts are important, but ultimate success often dictates long-term decisions.