Piastri urged to take caution amid McLaren departure speculation

08:43, 21 Dec

Updated: 09:14, 21 Dec

byOlly Darcy

Former World Champion Jacques Villeneuve has given Oscar Piastri a "fickle" warning amid rumours about a potential departure from McLaren.

"Some years, every team wants you at any cost, and two years later, they’ve moved on to something and someone else."

- Jacques Villeneuve

The potential exit from the British team was suggested by former driver Juan Pablo Montoya, believing that the Australian and his manager, Mark Webber, would be talking to other teams.

It comes after Piastri missed out on the World Championship to teammate Lando Norris, seeing a 34-point lead he held over the Brit evaporate after a poor end to the season.

However, Villeneuve states that Piastri should be cautious about a move after McLaren's impressive 2025 campaign.

Oscar Piastri finishing P3 in the drivers' standings with 410 points - Photo: Race Pictures

"McLaren was the best car. They proved that. He’s under contract," the Canadian said while speaking to a gambling site.

"It’s a fickle world. Some years, every team wants you at any cost, and two years later, they’ve moved on to something and someone else. You’re only as good as your last race, basically. That’s what teams and people look at.

"He had a great image when he was at Alpine before coming into McLaren. Teams were fighting each other to get him," Villeneuve added. The second half of the season didn’t do much good in that respect. So, he has to rebuild that confidence a little."

Will Piastri bounce back after 2025 disappointment?

The drop in form from Piastri towards the end of the season saw his confidence capitulate, resulting in him letting slip a 34-point lead over championship winner Norris.

There was talk about whether there was favouritism at McLaren between the two teammates, but, along with Villeneuve, former World Champion Damon Hill says confidence must be restored by 'thinking of yourself' in a title fight.

There has also been talk from former McLaren Formula E driver Sam Bird that the wind tunnel limits that will be enforced for McLaren may derail their progress in 2026.

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