Sawt Falasteen - Piastri says signing for long term with McLaren a 'no-brainer'

The 23-year-old, who was already under contract until 2026, signed a multi-year extension with the British team ahead of the season-opening race in Melbourne.

"It felt like just a very natural progression to sign for even longer term," Piastri said.

"Obviously last year was an incredible year for the team. I think my two years for the team has been pretty incredible, starting from where we were when I joined to being constructors' champions."

His teammate Lando Norris has also been tied down long-term, as have McLaren principal Andrea Stella and chief executive Zak Brown.

"So for me, it seems like a no-brainer, and I think it was reciprocated from the team as well," said the Australian.

Piastri finished fourth overall after wins in Hungary and Azerbaijan last season, and is set to battle with Norris for the title this year with McLaren widely considered the car to beat.

The pair combined last year to secure McLaren their first constructors' crown since 1998.

But Piastri played down his chances of getting off to a flying start by winning in Melbourne.

"I know what you want me to say, and everyone's headline could be that, but we'll see," he said.

"No one really knows what to expect. Testing went pretty well but you don't know where everybody sits."

Y.AlMasri--SF-PST