Is Oscar Piastri's future with McLaren in jeopardy? That's the burning question on everyone's mind after a rollercoaster season! Former Alpine executive director Marcin Budkowski suggests Piastri might be eyeing the exit door, and here's why.
Last year, Piastri's teammate, Lando Norris, ultimately outperformed him in the driver's standings, despite Piastri holding a significant 34-point lead after the Dutch Grand Prix. But here's where it gets interesting: a dip in form during key races in Azerbaijan, Austin, Mexico City, and São Paulo saw Piastri fall to third place, with Max Verstappen separating the two McLaren drivers.
The latter part of the season saw increased on-track incidents between Piastri and Norris, including contact in Singapore and Austin. While Piastri showed a resurgence in the final races, it wasn't enough to catch up to his teammate and claim the world championship.
So, what does this mean for the upcoming season? Budkowski believes Piastri's future with McLaren could hinge on two critical factors: ongoing tension with Norris or a decline in the team's performance.
Speaking on a recent RacingNews365 Podcast, Budkowski stated that Piastri's camp is likely less satisfied than Norris's, and the championship outcome probably didn't help. He also pointed out a crucial consideration: would Piastri leave a potential double world championship team, especially one with a Mercedes engine? Probably not, he suggests.
Budkowski believes the focus will be on how the 2026 season unfolds. If McLaren isn't competitive, or if the in-team rivalry intensifies, Piastri might consider other options. His manager, Mark Webber, is likely already exploring possibilities, which is standard practice. But it's still early days.
Controversially, Budkowski implies that Piastri and his team are in a 'waiting position,' assessing the situation as the 2026 season approaches. This question is expected to become more pressing around the middle of the season.
What do you think? Will Piastri stay with McLaren, or is a move elsewhere inevitable? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
