Oscar Piastri’s future at McLaren uncertain as Aston Martin and Ferrari circle

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Oscar Piastri only agreed to a new contract with McLaren before the 2025 F1 season, but his future now appears uncertain amid the fallout from the Singapore Grand Prix.

In March, he signed a deal that will keep him at Woking until 2028. Although his previous contract wasn’t due to expire until the end of 2026, McLaren wanted to reward his role in their 2024 constructors’ title.

Piastri turned down interest from Red Bull in favour of staying with McLaren, even though Christian Horner had made a strong pitch for him while still in charge at Milton Keynes. Since then, Piastri has emerged as a serious contender for the drivers’ championship.

Piastri leads the championship with six races and three Sprints remaining, having claimed seven wins and 14 podiums this season. The Australian sits on 336 points, holding a 22-point lead over teammate Lando Norris and is 63 points ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.

Ralf Schumacher can’t rule out Aston Martin targeting Oscar Piastri

The way McLaren dealt with Norris’ crash into Piastri during the Singapore Grand Prix has raised new questions about his future. The two teammates made contact while battling for third place early on, and Piastri’s contract reportedly includes exit clauses that could allow him to leave by 2027.

There have been whispers that Piastri might be considering a move to Ferrari to replace Lewis Hamilton in 2027, with Hamilton potentially retiring at the end of next season. There are even reports suggesting a possible seat swap between Piastri and Charles Leclerc, as Leclerc’s own future remains unclear.

Ralf Schumacher hasn’t ruled out Aston Martin getting involved either. Both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll are set to be out of contract after the 2026 season, so Aston will need to address their driver plans well before then.

Verstappen is still under contract with Red Bull until 2028 but does have a release clause he can use after 2026. If he chooses not to renew, Schumacher sees an opening for Piastri at Red Bull, though it would depend on several factors coming together.

“There were apparently already discussions between [Piastri’s manager] Mark Webber [and Red Bull]. But I believe such a driver can find a place anywhere. We must not forget Aston Martin, who are probably also looking for drivers beyond 2027.”

Oscar Piastri being considered as Aston Martin’s future replacement for Fernando Alonso

There are also suggestions that Oscar Piastri is open to the idea of joining Ferrari in 2027 if he chooses to move on from McLaren. The nine-time Grand Prix winner is likely to wait and see how the 2026 F1 regulations shake up the field before deciding his next step.

Aston Martin have backed themselves into a corner by betting big on the 2026 F1 regulations, including giving design guru Adrian Newey shares in the team. Honda is leaving Red Bull to become Aston Martin’s factory engine team next season, too.

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If Newey’s design expertise and Honda’s engines deliver, Alonso has hinted he could retire in 2026 if Aston Martin are competitive. This would open the door for Piastri to join Stroll at Aston Martin from 2027, as Schumacher has suggested.