Highly-rated driver Oscar Piastri has opened up on his decision to extend his contract with Formula 1 team McLaren ahead of the 2025 season opener.
Piastri joined the team in 2023 after a legal battle with Alpine, who signed him to their academy in 2020 with the hope of promoting him to the main team.
The 23-year-old signed a contract until the end of 2026 in his first season, he has now agreed to a term to stay beyond that date on the multi-year deal.
Piastri revealed the reasons behind his new deal, while expressing his delight at the opportunity to remain with the McLaren team.
He said: “It’s a great feeling knowing that I’m part of McLaren’s long-term vision.
“The team had the belief in me when we signed in 2022, and the journey we’ve gone on over the past two seasons to help return McLaren to the very top of the sport has been incredible.
“There are so many talented and special people working at MTC who have helped me to become a Formula 1 race winner very early in my career. Therefore, I’m very proud to be continuing to represent this legendary team for many years to come.
“I’m excited to fight for the big prizes as a McLaren driver and after last year’s fantastic achievements, it has made me even hungrier to stay at the sharp end.”
Piastri is regarded as one of the best young drivers in the sport.
He won his first F1 race at the Hungarian Grand Prix in July 2024 before adding the Azerbaijan Grand Prix two months later.
Piastri made his Formula One debut at the Bahrain Grand Prix, achieving his first career podium in his rookie season at the Japanese Grand Prix.
He became the fifth Australian driver to win a Formula One Grand Prix.
