Former Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner has warned that Oscar Piastri could find his McLaren future under threat if he endures another difficult season. Piastri, who fought for the world championship in 2025, has faced a much tougher campaign this year and is currently out of the running for second in the standings with three rounds remaining.
Steiner Warns of Zak Brown’s Driver Strategy
Speaking on The Red Flags Podcast, Steiner addressed what the current season signifies for the Australian driver’s future. His co-host suggested that the 25-year-old is in a vulnerable position and described McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown as aggressive when handling driver changes.
According to Motorsport.com, Steiner stated, “If he has got another year like this next year, you’re right. Zak will look for the next Oscar. I mean, he needs to find him, but maybe Liam Lawson is free.”
Potential Replacements and Driver Market Options
Although Lawson has since been retained by Racing Bulls for 2027 alongside rookie team-mate Arvid Lindblad, meaning any potential switch to McLaren would have to wait, Steiner also highlighted Haas driver Oliver Bearman as someone with options on the market.
When questioned about the possibility of pairing 2025 champion Lando Norris with his former McLaren team-mate Carlos Sainz, Steiner noted that Brown would likely pursue younger and more cost-effective talent, remarking that Brown excels at discovering young drivers and acquiring them affordably.
With three races left in the 2026 season, Piastri occupies seventh place in the standings with 152 points. The world title was already secured by Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli at the Mexican Grand Prix, while the battle for second place features Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in second with 279 points, George Russell in third with 262 points, Lewis Hamilton in fourth with 261 points, Charles Leclerc in fifth with 249 points, and Norris in sixth with 246 points.
