McLaren Urged to Act as Oscar Piastri Exit Talk Emerges

Former senior Formula One team official Marcin Budkowski gives clear verdict on the future Oscar Piastri at McLaren if the infighting continues.

McLaren Urged to Act as Oscar Piastri Exit Talk Emerges

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri (via DPPI)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

The 2025 Formula One season was an emotional roller coaster for McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. Following a flying start of the year, many expected the Australian to run away with the title, before a late mid-season performance slump dropped him to P3 in the table while teammate Lando Norris secured the championship.

One of the biggest controversies during the season was the allegation of bias and sabotage against McLaren. Some expect the Oscar Piastri’s relationship with team to worsen in the coming years, forcing the youngster to search for other seats. Former Alpine executive director Marcin Budkowski has shared his thoughts on dramatic situation.

I think the Oscar camp is less happy than the Lando camp, and obviously that’s not going to change after the championship. But the reality is, would you leave a double world championship team with a Mercedes engine at the back? Probably not.

Marcin Budkowski said via RN365.

The veteran team executive believes the possibility of Piastri leaving McLaren, when they are in a strong position is highly unlikely and admitted that the results from the 2026 season will determine the future of the star driver. Budkowski expect the Aussie to exit the team if the in-team fighting continues.  

I think it will be a question of how 2026 pans out. If there’s either a lack of competitiveness on McLaren’s side, or more in-team fighting between Oscar and Lando, then I can see Oscar looking elsewhere.

Marcin Budkowski added.

Marcin Budkowski asserts Mark Webber might’ve already started Oscar Piastri exit conversations

In the same conversation, Budkowski asserted that former racer and manager of Oscar Piastri, Mark Webber might have already started talks with other teams, which is part of his job. The experienced team official believes it’s too early for the Piastri camp to make a decision.  

Oscar Piastri and Mark Webber (via F1)
Oscar Piastri and Mark Webber (via f1.com)

I’m sure Mark Webber has already started this conversation, which is normal — that’s his job as a manager — but there will be opportunities for Oscar, and there will be a time to consider them. For now, I think it’s too early.

Marcin Budkowski said.

Further talking about the point, Marcin Budkowski highlighted that everyone associated with Mclaren and Webber is waiting to see how the 2026 season is going to playout. His entourage will be forced to make a decision on the future depending on their standing mid-way to the 2026 season.

I think everybody is in a waiting position, waiting to see what’s going on in 2026. That question will probably arise towards the middle of the season for Oscar and his entourage.

Marcin Budkowski added.

The comments from the senior official seems rational and on point. For everyone involved, Oscar Paitri staying and thriving at McLaren is the best decision. But if things didn’t pan out as expected, the big teams will be more than interested in signing the youngster to their team.

Also Read: Isack Hadjar Exposes His Key Plan to Break Max Verstappen’s Team-Mate Curse