Oscar Piastri came within touching distance of a Formula 1 world championship last season. If McLaren were to replace him with Max Verstappen now, it wouldn’t just be a ruthless business decision—it would be one of the most disrespectful moves in modern Formula 1.
Rumours linking Verstappen with McLaren refuse to disappear despite repeated denials from those involved. Reports have suggested Verstappen’s management has held discussions with McLaren, while speculation has centred on Oscar Piastri potentially being the driver to make way should the four-time world champion arrive.
On paper, signing Verstappen sounds obvious.
He’s one of the greatest drivers of his generation.
But Formula 1 isn’t played on paper.
It’s built on trust, loyalty and backing the talent you’ve developed.
McLaren already has that driver.
His name is Oscar Piastri.
Piastri Has Already Proven He Can Fight for a World Championship
It’s easy to forget just how remarkable Piastri’s 2025 season was.
The Australian won seven Grands Prix, claimed multiple pole positions and took the Drivers’ Championship battle all the way to the final rounds before teammate Lando Norris ultimately secured the title. McLaren also claimed the Constructors’ Championship as both drivers enjoyed career-best campaigns.
Yet many Formula 1 fans still believe Piastri was never given an equal opportunity.
Throughout the championship battle, McLaren repeatedly prioritised Norris in key strategic moments, drawing criticism from commentators and fans who argued the Australian deserved greater backing as a genuine title contender.
Whether those decisions ultimately cost Piastri a championship is open to debate.
But they undeniably shaped the narrative of the season.
Despite that, Piastri never publicly complained.
He continued delivering results.
He’s Continued to Perform in 2026
While McLaren has not enjoyed the same dominance this season, Piastri has again shown why he is regarded as one of Formula 1’s elite young drivers.
The Australian has remained one of the team’s strongest performers despite the MCL40 proving less competitive than its predecessor, consistently scoring points while helping McLaren remain in the fight against Mercedes and Ferrari.
Importantly, he hasn’t allowed the Verstappen speculation to become a distraction.
Speaking ahead of the British Grand Prix, Piastri said McLaren had given him “multiple reassurances” that the team remained committed to him.
“I’m very happy where I am,” Piastri said, adding that he understood McLaren felt the same way.
Those aren’t the words of a driver preparing to leave.
They’re the words of someone who believes he has earned the team’s trust.
Why Would McLaren Throw That Away?
Verstappen is extraordinary.
Nobody disputes that.
But McLaren already has two proven race winners under long-term contracts.
Replacing Piastri would send a dangerous message throughout the paddock.
It would tell every young driver that no matter how well you perform, no matter how close you come to delivering a world championship, your seat can still disappear the moment a bigger name becomes available.
That’s not how great teams build sustained success.
The Future Should Be Built Around Piastri—Not Away From Him
Zak Brown and Andrea Stella have repeatedly praised Piastri’s development and publicly downplayed suggestions Verstappen could replace either McLaren driver.
They should stick to that position.
Piastri is only continuing to improve.
He has already demonstrated he can win races.
He has already shown he can handle championship pressure.
And perhaps most importantly, he has done everything McLaren has asked of him.
If anything, the team owes him.
After watching strategy calls appear to favour Norris during last year’s title fight, rewarding Piastri with long-term faith would show the Australian that his loyalty has been recognised.
Replacing him with Verstappen would do the opposite.
It would suggest that nearly winning a world championship—and doing everything asked of you along the way—still isn’t enough.
That wouldn’t just be harsh.
It would be deeply disrespectful.
