What Lando Norris' contract extension means for McLaren and Oscar Piastri

Lando Norris has signed a long-term contract extension with McLaren, committing to the team until 2030 with multiple additional years up for grabs. The 26-year-old driver, now a world champion, will continue to wear the team's race suit for years to come, cementing his status as a franchise driver. This decision comes after Norris overcame challenges, including driving style struggles and mechanical failures, to lead McLaren to its first world championship last season.

McLaren's team boss, Andrea Stella, noted that Norris' improvement has been remarkable, particularly since the start of the 2025 season. The team sees this long-term commitment as a way to provide stability as they navigate the complex 2026 power unit regulations and aim to secure a title challenge in the following year. Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri's contract extension until 2028 has left his future somewhat uncertain, as his performance has declined since the start of the 2026 season.

Team principal Stella attributes Piastri's issues to technical factors rather than mental ones, and the team is working on adjustments to help him regain his form.