F1 star rewarded with MASSIVE contract extension on eve of new season

Formula 1 team McLaren have announced a massive new contract for one of their key young stars just days ahead of the start of the 2025 season.

The British team are one of just two who are entering the new season with the same driver pairing they ended 2024 with, having Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri under contract so no team could poach them this winter.

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After starting the 2024 season playing catch up to reigning champions Red Bull, McLaren hit the ground running after Norris finally secured his maiden victory at the Miami Grand Prix, with he and team-mate Piastri claiming six race wins between them.

Once the Woking-based outfit had ironed out their 'papaya rules' issue, the duo began to work harmoniously, delivering vital championship points in their fight for the constructors' title, which saw them top the standings for the first time since 1998.

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Oscar Piastri signs extended McLaren contract

Following the news, Piastri said: "It’s a great feeling knowing that I’m part of McLaren’s long-term vision. 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.

"There are so many talented and special people working at the MTC who have helped me to become a Formula 1 race winner very early in my career. Therefore, I’m very proud to be continuing to represent this legendary team for many years to come.

"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."

McLaren CEO Zak Brown said: "It’s fantastic to confirm Oscar’s extension with McLaren. Not only is he an incredibly talented driver, but his work ethic and cultural fit within the team made it a no-brainer to extend his time in papaya.

"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. He was absolutely fundamental in adding to our legacy with the 2024 constructors’ championship last season, so we’re all excited to see what we can do in the years to come as we continue to fight for World Championships together."

Team principal Andrea Stella signed off on the celebrations, adding: "Further extending our partnership with Oscar is a symbol of our belief and trust in him as a driver, as well as a reflection of our shared ambition to continue in our fight for championships together.

"It has been a pleasure working with Oscar throughout the past two seasons and he has continued to prove how impressive he is in terms of his talent, determination and work ethic as a driver and his contribution to our team and culture as a person.

"Alongside Lando, we have what we need locked in for the long term to keep pushing forward. I look forward to continuing to watch Oscar grow and develop as a driver and know that many successes lie ahead for him."

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