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Oscar Piastri is fighting for the world championship, yet former Haas team boss Günther Steiner believes the young Australian should consider leaving McLaren if he loses the title. According to Steiner, Piastri risks becoming overshadowed by Lando Norris in the long term and may benefit from a fresh environment.
Piastri has delivered an exceptional season, matching Norris on pace several times and winning key races in the middle phase of the year. Still, Norris currently leads the standings, while Piastri has lost ground after several costly weekends. That difference has prompted discussion about how McLaren manages both drivers and what it means for the future.
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Steiner is impressed with Piastri’s progress but believes staying at McLaren could limit his ceiling if the internal hierarchy becomes too rigid.
“He May Need a Different Environment”
Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Steiner said Piastri should not stay in a situation that risks long-term stagnation. “If he loses the title, he should at least think about moving. Sometimes a different environment can help you grow. It is not about performance alone but about how a team builds around you.”
Steiner emphasised that he sees no foul play at McLaren. His comments instead reflect the natural challenges of having two ambitious drivers in one team. “Norris is having an incredible season. When that happens, you need to make sure you are not stuck in someone else’s shadow.”
McLaren Keen to Keep Its Duo Together
Within McLaren, there is no sign of tension. Both Norris and Piastri have repeatedly stated they work well together, and team boss Andrea Stella insists the team treats both sides of the garage equally. McLaren sees its line-up as one of the strongest on the grid and has no interest in losing either driver.
Piastri, for his part, has remained calm. He says he is focused solely on his own performance and is not considering any change of direction. His current contract keeps him at McLaren for the coming seasons.
Still, Steiner’s remarks reflect a growing narrative in the paddock: Piastri is too talented to play a long-term support role. If McLaren’s internal dynamic shifts in Norris’ favour, the Australian may eventually need to choose between comfort and ambition.
For now, Piastri remains firmly in the title fight. But whatever happens in the final races, the debate about his future is unlikely to die down.
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