The intense rivalry between McLaren teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris has boiled over into a full-blown crisis, fueling sensational rumours that the Australian World Championship leader could eye an early exit from the team.
Despite being under contract until the end of 2028, the recent drama, including the Singapore Grand Prix clash and controversial strategic calls, has sent the F1 "silly season" into overdrive, with rival teams reportedly circling for the star talent.
The fundamental issue is simple: Piastri is racing for the fastest car on the grid, but growing concerns about perceived internal favouritism are threatening to sour the relationship, forcing his manager, Mark Webber, to weigh up future options for 2027 and beyond.
The drama that could force a move
The tensions centre around a perceived lack of faith from the McLaren pitwall:
Singapore Clash:
Piastri publicly fumed after Lando Norris made contact with his car on the first lap, angrily stating over the radio that the move was "not fair" and seemed to breach the team’s "papaya rules" against contact.
McLaren refused to issue a team order.
Strategic Disadvantage:
The Singapore flashpoint followed contentious strategic calls at Monza and Hungary that were viewed by many as having unfairly favoured Norris in the battle for the championship.
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Zak Brown's Denial:
The drama was further inflamed by an ongoing lawsuit with former IndyCar driver Alex Palou, who claimed that McLaren CEO Zak Brown never wanted to sign Piastri in the first place, an allegation Brown has publicly deemed "ludicrous."
The two most likely future destinations
While Piastri is secured until 2028, his impressive run of form, winning seven races this season, makes him an automatic target for any team looking to build a title-winning contender for the new 2026 regulations.
The speculation centres on two primary landing spots for 2027:
Ferrari
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has insisted that Piastri "has his eye" on the Scuderia.
With Lewis Hamilton struggling and Charles Leclerc’s patience potentially wearing thin if Ferrari cannot deliver a winning car in 2026, a seat could open up.
Piastri's success in the Italian junior series (F2/F3 with Prema) provides an existing connection to the Maranello environment.
Imagn
Aston Martin
Schumacher also flagged Aston Martin as a genuine possibility.
The team has committed to a massive investment with Adrian Newey leading the design of the 2026 car.
If Fernando Alonso retires, the chance to lead a newly ascendant team, complete with a legendary car designer, would be highly attractive to Piastri.
Ultimately, Piastri is in a strong position.
If the drama at McLaren continues to interfere with his championship aspirations, rival teams will be ready to strike, no matter how long his contract is.