Piastri: Long-term McLaren contract extension a 'no-brainer'

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Oscar Piastri has opened up on his decision to sign a long-term contract extension with McLaren, calling it a "no-brainer" as he prepares for his home race at the Australian Grand Prix.

The multi-year deal, announced earlier this week, extends his tenure with the F1 Constructors' Champions beyond his original 2026 expiry, locking in both Piastri and teammate Lando Norris for the foreseeable future.

Speaking in Melbourne, the 23-year-old Aussi shed light on why committing to McLaren's long-term vision was an easy choice, pointing to the team's remarkable progress and stability.

The extension ensures McLaren's driver lineup remains intact as the sport approaches the 2026 regulation changes, thwarting any rival attempts to poach its stars.

Fresh off a 2024 season that delivered his first two Grand Prix wins and a constructors' title, Piastri's reasoning reflects a deep confidence in the team that has transformed his career.

A Natural Fit

Addressing the media on Thursday ahead of the Melbourne weekend, Piastri explained why extending his stay at McLaren felt like a seamless decision.

"I was already signed up for this year and the next, but it felt like just a very natural progression to sign for even longer term," he said.

"Obviously, last year was an incredible year for the team. I think my two years for the team have been pretty incredible, starting from where we were when I joined to being Constructors' Champions."

Piastri highlighted the continuity within McLaren as a key motivator.

"Now it made a lot of sense in my mind to try and continue that and build with the team. Me and Lando are both there for a long time now.

"Andrea [Stella, team principal] is on a long term contract, Zak [Brown, CEO] and key technical staff as well. So for me, it seems like a no-brainer, and think it was reciprocated from the team as well."

For Piastri, the decision was less about securing his future and more about staying part of a winning project that's already borne fruit.

Managing Melbourne Expectations

With the Australian Grand Prix marking his homecoming, Piastri arrives amid heightened anticipation from local fans and media, buoyed by McLaren's strong pre-season testing form.

Many see Team Papaya as a frontrunner for the 2025 opener, but Piastri was quick to temper expectations as he preferred to focus on the unknowns ahead.

"I know what you want me to say, and everyone's headline could be that, but we'll see," he said, echoing his teammate's view earlier in the day.

"No one really knows what to expect. Testing went pretty well but you don't know where everybody sits."

He also noted the challenges of translating testing pace to Melbourne's unique conditions.

"Melbourne is a completely different track to Bahrain, the weather is going to be different to Bahrain and different every hour, by the look of things, so it's going to be an interesting weekend.

"We're expecting to be somewhere up the front, whether that's right at the pointy end, we'll wait until Saturday, I think."

Piastri's cautious approach underscores his focus on performance over hype, even as he rides the wave of his new commitment.

As he gears up to race in front of his home crowd, Piastri's focus shifts to delivering on track, but his words affirm a belief that McLaren is where his future—and more victories—lie.

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