Former Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner has warned that Oscar Piastri’s McLaren future could be jeopardised if he repeats a difficult 2026 campaign.
Piastri, who contested the 2025 world championship, is now out of the running for second place with three races remaining, having endured a significantly tougher season this year.
Speaking on The Red Flags Podcast, Steiner was asked about the Australian driver’s prospects, with his co‑host suggesting the 25‑year‑old is in a precarious position and describing McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown as particularly decisive when it comes to driver changes. “If he has another year like this next year, you’re right. Zak will look for the next Oscar,” Steiner said. “He needs to find him, but maybe Liam Lawson is free.”
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Photo by: Alastair Staley / LAT Images via Getty Images
Lawson has since been retained by Racing Bulls for 2027 alongside his rookie teammate Arvid Lindblad, meaning any move to McLaren could only come further down the line. Steiner also mentioned Haas driver Oliver Bearman as a driver with options.
When asked about a possible reunion of 2025 champion Lando Norris with his former McLaren teammate Carlos Sainz, Steiner replied, “Zak will look for somebody younger. We all know Zak is pretty good at finding young talent. Zak likes to buy them cheap as well.”
With three rounds remaining in the 2026 season, Piastri sits seventh with 152 points. Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli secured the title at the Mexican Grand Prix, but the fight for second continues. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen leads the standings with 279 points, followed by George Russell on 262, Lewis Hamilton on 261, Charles Leclerc on 249 and Lando Norris on 246.
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