Oscar Piastri credits McLaren’s uncommon stability in driver lineup and leadership as a key advantage over Formula 1 rivals. As the 2025 season approaches, McLaren’s continuity stands in sharp contrast to the frequent changes seen at other top teams, providing a solid foundation for sustained performance.
While many teams navigate uncertainty with shifts in personnel, McLaren benefits from an unshaken core, contributing to its competitive prospects this season and beyond.
Consistent Drivers and Leadership Strengthen McLaren’s Team Cohesion
Heading into the 2025 Formula 1 season, McLaren has retained its driver duo, extending the partnership of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris into their third year. Their contract stability is set to continue well past 2026, fostering teamwork and mutual development on the track.
Management stability complements this consistency. Andrea Stella renewed his position as team principal in August 2024, remaining in charge since early 2023. Meanwhile, CEO Zak Brown secured a contract extension at the start of 2024, committing to lead McLaren until at least 2030. This long-term leadership is a rarity in a sport where such tenures are frequently brief.
The combination of a settled driver lineup and management team gives McLaren a unified and focused structure, which Piastri values highly.
Comparing McLaren’s Steadiness with Rival Teams’ Shifts
In contrast, McLaren’s closest competitors have experienced notable disruptions recently. Ferrari introduced Lewis Hamilton for their 2025 driver roster while only recently reaffirmed Fred Vasseur’s role as team principal after speculation around his future.
Mercedes replaced Lewis Hamilton with newcomer Kimi Antonelli and faces uncertainty regarding George Russell’s contract status, which remains unconfirmed despite expectations of its renewal alongside Antonelli’s remaining seat.
Red Bull has faced significant upheaval this season. The team promoted Liam Lawson to replace Sergio Perez, only to swap Lawson out after two events for Yuki Tsunoda. Post-British Grand Prix, team principal Christian Horner was removed immediately, with Laurent Mekies stepping in as his successor. These changes reflect instability that contrasts with McLaren’s steady framework.
Oscar Piastri Reflects on the Value of Stability in Formula 1
When asked about the shifting dynamics across the grid, Piastri expressed contentment with McLaren’s environment:
“I’m certainly very happy where I am,” —Oscar Piastri, McLaren driver
He elaborated on the importance of unity and strength within the team:
“I was happy before some of the movements and rumours that are going on, but I think it is a massive strength of ours, how united we are, how strong we are as a team and from so many areas. So yeah, it does make me appreciate it. I already did appreciate it beforehand, but yes, I think the stability is definitely a nice thing.” —Oscar Piastri, McLaren driver
Recognizing that consistency is rare in Formula 1, he added:
“I think just with more time in the sport, I’m understanding a bit better that stability is not always that common, so it’s nice to have it.” —Oscar Piastri, McLaren driver
Piastri’s Background Informs His Appreciation for McLaren’s Stability
Oscar Piastri’s experience with unstable team environments deepens his appreciation for McLaren’s steadiness. Having come through Alpine’s junior driver program, he witnessed the challenges of uncertain contracts firsthand. His move from Alpine to McLaren midway through 2022 was highly publicized when it became clear he had never signed a formal contract with Alpine’s Enstone operation.
Upon joining McLaren, Piastri was entrusted with a full race seat following Daniel Ricciardo’s contract buyout. This vote of confidence cultivated loyalty from the young Australian, who then turned down rumors linking him to Red Bull, despite their struggles throughout the season.
Red Bull’s instability was highlighted by the ongoing driver changes—from Sergio Perez to Liam Lawson, then to Yuki Tsunoda—and culminated in the dismissal of Christian Horner, the team’s long-serving principal.
Piastri Unaffected by Leadership Changes at Rival Teams
On Christian Horner’s unexpected departure from Red Bull, Piastri admitted he learned of the news alongside others:
“I learned, I guess, with everyone else,” —Oscar Piastri, McLaren driver
He acknowledged Horner’s achievements but noted the change had little personal impact:
“It was obviously a change for Red Bull. I think Christian achieved a lot with the team in terms of championships and whatever else.” —Oscar Piastri, McLaren driver
“But for me, it really doesn’t affect much. I’ve not spent much time thinking about it. It was obviously a bit of a surprise, I guess, or a big change, but it doesn’t affect me.” —Oscar Piastri, McLaren driver
Significance of Stability for McLaren’s Competitive Future
McLaren’s ability to maintain cohesion and consistency appears to be a strategic advantage in a highly volatile environment, where rival teams face frequent disruptions in drivers and management. With Piastri and Norris continuing their partnership, supported by stable leadership under Andrea Stella and Zak Brown, the team is well-positioned to build on its recent momentum.
This rare stability offers McLaren the chance to refine its technical and strategic operations without distractions, which could prove vital in competing for the championship against reshuffled rivals. For Piastri, this cohesive framework not only enhances performance but also strengthens his commitment to McLaren’s long-term goals.
