Piastri's future at McLaren is becoming more uncertain.

      "He’s very distrustful due to his past experiences."

      The political strain surrounding Oscar Piastri's career at McLaren is intensifying, as new information and rumors from the paddock raise doubts about both his previous signing and his long-term place within the team. Last week in the London High Court, Indycar champion Alex Palou claimed that McLaren CEO Zak Brown privately expressed that he had not wanted Piastri to join the team at all. “I had dinner with Zak at Beaverbrook close to MTC,” Palou recounted in court. “Zak revealed it wasn't his choice to sign Oscar; it was made by the (former) team manager, Andreas Seidl.”

      These remarks have resurfaced as McLaren celebrates yet another constructors' title while experiencing growing internal tension between championship contenders Piastri and Lando Norris, whose clash on the track in Singapore represented a new low in their rivalry. F1 icon Mario Andretti, speaking at Italy’s Festival dello Sport, noted that Piastri’s challenges extend beyond racing. “I admire Piastri for his determination, but it seems to me, for some reason—I’m not sure why—McLaren favors Lando Norris,” stated the 1978 world champion.

      Behind the scenes, Piastri’s manager, Mark Webber, is believed to be increasingly exasperated. Ralf Schumacher from Sky Deutschland suggested that Webber has already started looking for alternatives. “You can see from his expressions that he’s unhappy,” Schumacher remarked. “He’s very distrustful after his own experiences. He feels his driver should be regarded as number one, and that sentiment is starting to affect Piastri as well.”

      Colombian legend Juan Pablo Montoya concurred that the relationship is under strain. “There are rumors circulating that Piastri is panicking, and that they’re considering options for him to move to Ferrari,” he told AS Colombia. “People are talking a lot, and I'm sure it’s intended to apply pressure on McLaren. Every team has its favorites, and the one who has been there the longest is Lando.”

      Montoya also mentioned that Piastri's frustration was evident during the team’s podium celebrations in Singapore. “He was clearly upset about what transpired, and Webber needs to tread carefully to avoid exacerbating the situation. You can’t simply walk away when things aren't going your way.”

      Schumacher hinted that Piastri might attract interest from several teams after 2026. “If Max Verstappen departs, he could potentially drive for Red Bull,” he said. “There have already been talks between Mark Webber and Red Bull. However, such a driver could find a place anywhere—even at Aston Martin.”

      1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve also believes that the current tensions at McLaren might ultimately hand the 2025 title to Verstappen. “The two McLarens are feeling too much pressure,” he said. “They need to wake up.”