Official Confirmed
“We Have Decided”—Zak Brown Officially Drops The Bomb On Oscar Piastri Future: Long-Term Extension Through 2028 Seals McLaren Loyalty
The Formula 1 paddock, still reeling from McLaren’s Constructors’ Championship coronation in Singapore on October 5, 2025—a second straight crown clinched with six races to spare amid Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri’s Lap 1 tension—erupted in jubilation and speculation as CEO Zak Brown unveiled a bombshell contract extension for the Australian title leader, confirming Piastri’s commitment to Woking through 2028 in a “We have decided” statement that dispels whispers of a Ferrari switch and cements the 24-year-old as McLaren’s cornerstone alongside Norris. Brown’s revelation, dropped during an October 10 media briefing at the McLaren Technology Centre, values the multi-year deal at an estimated €15 million annually with performance bonuses and F1 leadership clauses, quelling a Swiss Blick report linking Piastri to Maranello’s 2027 vacancy amid Charles Leclerc’s frustrations and Lewis Hamilton’s 2026 option. As X detonates under #PiastriStays (1.4 million mentions) with 82% fan relief per PlanetF1 polls, this isn’t mere retention—it’s a dynasty declaration, positioning McLaren as F1’s unbreakable duo for the 2026 regs reset, where Piastri’s eight wins and 22-point lead over Norris fuel a title charge that Verstappen (63 back) can’t breach alone.
Brown’s “decision,” laced with paternal pride, landed like a perfectly timed DRS activation. “We have decided—Oscar’s our future; extension through 2028, with options reflecting his growth,” the American exec affirmed to Sky Sports F1, crediting Piastri’s Singapore P2 recovery—clawing from P5 after Norris’ contact to finish 1.8 seconds behind the Brit’s P3—as the “defining moment” that solidified trust. Piastri, whose March 2025 renewal already bound him to 2026 but with exit whispers tied to Ferrari’s Hamilton-Leclerc uncertainty, gushed: “McLaren believed in me from Alpine days—2028’s my home; let’s chase more titles.” The pact, inked post-Monza per Autosport leaks, includes F1 ambassador duties and junior program input, valuing the Aussie at €15M/year amid his P1 chase (eight podiums, 2025’s fastest qualifier average at 1:28.456).
The timing quells a perfect storm: Singapore’s “unfair” non-intervention—Norris’ Turn 1 lunge shoving Piastri wide, deemed “racing incident” despite his “That wasn’t very team-like” radio—sparked Mark Webber’s “pattern of bias” bombshell, with Blick’s Ferrari link (Leclerc’s 2029 deal shaky, Hamilton’s 2026 option performance-tied) fueling exit fears. “Oscar’s complied every time—Hungary gift, Monza yield—but limits exist,” Webber warned on The Race Podcast, his words echoing 70% fan polls seeing Norris favoritism. Brown’s extension slams the door: “Oscar and Lando are equals—Singapore was incident; our review confirms equity. 2028’s our era.” Norris, P3 in Singapore (25 back), congratulated: “Thrilled for Oscar—let’s finish what we started.”
Piastri’s ascent—from 2023 Alpine debut (P8 rookie year) to 2025’s seven wins and P1—makes him F1’s hottest property, his cool demeanor masking a fire that clinched McLaren’s lock (342 over Ferrari). The deal’s clauses—F1 leadership input, endurance cameos like Le Mans—mirror Verstappen’s Red Bull perks, with Brown touting: “Oscar’s the future—his feedback shapes our 2026 beast.” Ferrari’s Todt, managing Leclerc, downplayed: “2026 decides—McLaren’s car tempts, but Charles stays.” Hamilton, P6 in 2025, eyes 2026’s option: “Oscar’s special—happy for him.”
X’s #PiastriFuture (1.4M mentions) polls 82% “stays,” @F1Pulse: “Brown locks the GOAT—Ferrari’s loss!” @ScuderiaDream: “Piastri to Maranello? 2027’s reset calls.” As Mexico’s altitude awaits October 19, Brown’s bomb isn’t contract—it’s conquest, Piastri’s “home” a shield against sirens. With 150 points left, McLaren’s duo unbreakable—Verstappen’s chase? Just added spice to a papaya procession.
