Oscar Piastri’s chances of winning the Formula 1 world title have fallen further after the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. If he actually comes out as a loser in the internal McLaren duel, he would have to think about saying goodbye, said former team boss Günther Steiner.
Ex-Haas team boss Günther Steiner advises Oscar Piastri to turn his back on constructors’ world champion McLaren. “Especially if he doesn’t win the World Cup,” said the RTL expert in the “Red Flags Podcast”.
Steiner explained: “I think he has a good chance of being able to sit in any other good car. He is a good driver and sometimes changes are good. He is young enough and can adapt.” With a view to a possible McLaren farewell, the 60-year-old added: “He should do it and I think he is doing it. That’s my opinion.”
Steiner: Verstappen ends up ahead of Piastri
The 24-year-old Australian had led the drivers’ standings for a long time in the current Formula 1 season, but after his retirement at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix he was unable to reach the podium four times in a row. His teammate Lando Norris, who also recently won in Sao Paulo and is now 24 points ahead of the world championship, is completely different.
There had already been a lot of speculation about Oscar Piastri’s future around the Mexican Grand Prix. Rumors had been circulating that Piastri felt disadvantaged in the internal duel with Norris. According to “Sky” expert Ralf Schumacher, saying goodbye to Piastri next season is almost impossible. However, it is certainly possible that initial discussions are already being held in the background with a view to the future – for example with Aston Martin, which may be looking for two new drivers for the 2027 season.
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With a view to the remaining three races of the current season, Günther Steiner made another statement. The South Tyrolean now believes that Oscar Piastri could still be overtaken by third-placed Max Verstappen. The Australian still has a 25-point lead over the reigning world champion. “You saw what happened in Brazil and in the four races before. Why not?” said Steiner in the podcast.