Sawt Falasteen - Piastri signs long-term extension with McLaren

The 23-year-old Australian driver was already under contract until 2026, but has now secured his long-term future with McLaren, who won last year's constructors' championship.

Piastri finished fourth overall after wins in Hungary and Azerbaijan, and is set to battle with team-mate Lando Norris for the title this season.

"It's a great feeling knowing that I'm part of McLaren's long-term vision," Piastri said after his contract extension was announced on Tuesday.

"The team had the belief in me when we signed in 2022, and the journey we've gone on over the past two seasons to help return McLaren to the very top of the sport has been incredible."

"I'm very proud to be continuing to represent this legendary team for many years to come," he added.

"I'm excited to fight for the big prizes as a McLaren driver and after last year's fantastic achievements, it has made me even hungrier to stay at the sharp end."

Piastri is entering his third season in Formula One, joining McLaren in 2023 following a lengthy legal battle with rival team Alpine.

He and Norris combined last year to secure McLaren their first constructors' crown since 1998.

"We've got the best driver line-up on the grid, and in the past two seasons, we've seen how much of an asset to the team Oscar is both on and off track," said McLaren CEO Zak Brown.

"We're all excited to see what we can do in the years to come as we continue to fight for world championships together."

L.Hussein--SF-PST