Oscar Piastri’s breakout Formula 1 season has taken another dramatic turn, with tensions brewing inside McLaren and questions emerging about his long-term future in the sport.
The 24-year-old Australian currently leads the F1 world championship by 24 points and is within reach of becoming the country’s first title winner in 45 years.
With the season reaching its defining stretch, speculation has begun to swirl over whether Piastri’s future lies away from McLaren and possibly with one of their biggest rivals.
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has intensified the discussion, suggesting Piastri could potentially create a major shake up to Formula One by moving to a major powerhouse.
MORE: F1 standings 2025: Updated driver and constructor points, results for Formula One season
“I believe Piastri could go anywhere,” Schumacher said on Sky Germany’s Backstage Boxengasse podcast.
“Now, if Max Verstappen leaves, he could be driving a Red Bull. Well, now Horner is gone, because that is a very good friendship.
“There were apparently already discussions between Mark Webber (and Red Bull). But I believe such a driver can find a place anywhere. We must not forget Aston Martin, who are probably also looking for drivers beyond 2027.”
The rumours come amid signs of unease within McLaren following the Singapore Grand Prix, where Lando Norris made contact with Piastri while overtaking him. The Australian was left fuming, arguing the move went against the team’s “papaya rules.”
McLaren and Norris maintained the clash was fair racing, but fans have speculated that the team is favouring Norris as the battle for the championship intensifies.
The optics worsened when team members were seen celebrating their constructors’ championship win without Piastri, sparking further questions about the team dynamic.
Adding to the backdrop are claims from IndyCar champion Alex Palou, who alleged in a court case that McLaren CEO Zak Brown initially didn’t want to sign Piastri, an accusation that has only heightened the drama surrounding the team.
Piastri signed a multi-year contract extension earlier this year, though the length of the deal remains unclear.
Despite his current success, many in the F1 paddock are wondering whether the young star might seek a fresh challenge elsewhere.
He has already been linked to Ferrari (2027), Mercedes, and Aston Martin, where Fernando Alonso has hinted that 2026 could be his final season.
George Russell’s uncertain contract status at Mercedes has also kept that door ajar.
Still, not everyone believes a move would be wise.
Former Haas boss Guenther Steiner argued there’s “nowhere better for Piastri to go”, insisting it would be a mistake to walk away from McLaren, particularly if he captures the world title this year.
After clinching their second straight Constructors’ Championship, McLaren now turns its attention to the fight for the drivers’ crown, with Piastri holding a narrow advantage heading into the final six races.
The Formula 1 season resumes this weekend at the United States Grand Prix, where Piastri will aim to tighten his grip on the championship and silence the growing noise surrounding his future.