Oscar Piastri at the FIA press conference in Singapore - Photo: Race Pictures

Steiner sounds Piastri alarm as sudden departure theory addressed

18:45, 13 Oct

byNorberto Mujica

Guenther Steiner issues advice for world championship leader Oscar Piastri as theories of a sudden McLaren exit emerge.

First of all, he’s going to win the world championship this year. So that’s why he should stay there.

- Guenther Steiner

Piastri sits atop the Drivers' Standings with a 22-points lead over teammate Lando Norris and a 63-points gap to Max Verstappen. However, the environment at McLaren may be coming under threat as the battle between both teammates grows in tension every Grand Prix.

According to Steiner the Aussie driver should not leave the Woking-based team since by his year's season finale in Abu Dhabi his F1 goal will have been fulfilled.

“First of all, he’s going to win the world championship this year," Steiner said in the Red Flags podcast. "So that’s why he should stay there."

Oscar Piastri in his garage - Photo: Race Pictures

Furthermore, the uncertainty that 2026 brings provides yet another reason to remain in place.

“Next year, wherever you go — first of all, there is no seats in the next year. And wherever you go, you wouldn’t know where you’re going, and I think McLaren at the moment is doing a pretty good job.”

According to the Italian-American former F1 boss, McLaren's competitiveness prospects plus his ability to beat Norris, make a compelling case for choosing to continue to defend the papaya colours in the future.

“Obviously he can beat Lando. If he can beat him this year, I think his hope should be to beat him in the future as well."

“Why should he leave?” Steiner asked aloud.

Does McLaren put Piastri at a disadvantage vs teammate Norris?

Theories of Piastri's discontent have risen following the contemptuous Singapore Grand Prix Lap 1 Turn 3 incident prompted by Norris' overtake manoeuvre and McLaren's decision not to have swapped the positions back to their previous order.

This lack of action by the team's pit wall, which enraged Piastri, might have been interpreted as proof of McLaren's bias for Norris, since making contact with a teammate is allegedly a violation of the papaya rules both drivers are governed by.

norris-piastri-collision-mclaren-singapore-gp-f1

Lando Norris collided with Oscar Piastri at the start of the Singapore GP. Photo: RacePictures.

“I don’t think they put him at a disadvantage; they just don’t put him at an advantage, so he has to fight for everything,” Steiner said.

“But if he wins the world championship, I think he will for sure the world champion in the team and that is what counts.

“I don’t think he’s leaving. No. Shouldn’t be leaving. Should stay there.”

According to racing legend Mario Andretti, McLaren do favour Norris. A position shared by former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

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