Oscar Piastri To Leave McLaren? Reports Claim Australian Is Considering Activating Exit Clause

Oscar Piastri is reportedly considering activating a release clause in his McLaren contract, a move that could reshape the Formula 1 driver market and potentially pave the way for Max Verstappen to join the Woking-based team.

According to Brazilian outlet Grande Prêmio, Piastri is weighing up the possibility of terminating his contract despite being tied to McLaren until the end of the 2028 season. Neither McLaren nor Piastri has commented on the reports.

Report claims Oscar Piastri could activate McLaren exit clause

The report suggests Piastri has an exit clause that can be triggered if he is outside the top five in the Drivers' Championship by the summer break.

Following the British Grand Prix, the Australian is sixth in the standings, reportedly bringing that clause into play.

Grande Prêmio claims Piastri is now considering activating the provision after tensions that reportedly began during McLaren's 2025 title campaign, when team orders and the so-called "Papaya Rules" became a source of frustration.

The report also alleges those events strained the relationship between Piastri's manager, Mark Webber, and McLaren's senior management.

However, these claims remain unconfirmed by the team or the driver.

Max Verstappen linked with McLaren if Piastri leaves

If Piastri were to depart, the report suggests McLaren could emerge as a destination for Max Verstappen.

The Dutchman has also been linked with a move away from Red Bull amid ongoing speculation surrounding his future. Recent reports have suggested Verstappen has performance-related exit clauses in his contract, although the exact details have never been publicly confirmed by Red Bull or the driver.

Those rumours have gathered momentum following Red Bull's recent reliability issues, including Verstappen's retirement at Silverstone after another rear-wing failure.

A move to McLaren would create one of Formula 1's strongest driver pairings alongside Lando Norris, although there has been no indication from McLaren that such a switch is being pursued.

Red Bull and Audi also linked with Piastri

According to the report, Red Bull have long viewed Piastri as a potential replacement should Verstappen leave the team.

Audi has also been linked with the Australian, with Grande Prêmio claiming Mark Webber has held discussions over a possible future move.

At this stage, however, no agreement has been announced and Piastri remains under contract with McLaren.

Formula 1 driver market speculation continues

While the reports point towards a dramatic reshuffle involving Piastri and Verstappen, there has been no official confirmation from any of the parties involved.

For now, Piastri remains a McLaren driver and Verstappen remains contracted to Red Bull. Whether either driver exercises any contractual clauses will likely become clearer as Formula 1 approaches the summer break.

Until then, the reports should be treated as speculation rather than confirmed developments.