The tenure of Oscar Piastri at McLaren is under scrutiny following a difficult 2026 campaign. Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has issued a stern warning, suggesting that the Australian's seat could be at risk if he fails to bounce back with a stronger performance next season.
After a stellar 2025 season where he was a legitimate contender for the world title, Piastri has struggled to maintain that momentum in 2026. He currently sits seventh in the drivers' standings with 152 points. With only three rounds remaining—Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi—his opportunities to climb the leaderboard are rapidly dwindling.
Speaking on The Red Flags Podcast, Steiner noted the aggressive management style of McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, who has a track record of making ruthless decisions regarding driver lineups. "If he has got another year like this next year, you’re right. Zak will look for the next Oscar. I mean, he needs to find him, but maybe Liam Lawson is free," Steiner remarked regarding the potential for change.
Technical analysis suggests that Piastri has faced significant challenges with tire degradation and race-pace consistency throughout the 2026 season, often failing to translate his raw qualifying speed into Sunday results. Steiner further speculated that Brown is always on the lookout for cost-effective young talents to bolster the team's long-term prospects.
As the season nears its conclusion, the focus remains on the fierce battle for the runner-up spot in the championship. While Kimi Antonelli has already secured the 2026 title, high-profile drivers like Max Verstappen, George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Lando Norris are locked in an intense fight. For Piastri, the final three races represent a critical period to demonstrate his value to the Woking-based outfit.
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