Oscar Piastri evaluated the new contracts of Max Verstappen and Lando Norris in Formula 1, and believes that long-term agreements should not be seen as completely rigid commitments. For the Australian, it would be surprising if the contracts did not offer some room for maneuver for drivers and teams.
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Verstappen and Norris announced commitments with Red Bull Racing and McLaren, respectively, until 2030, ending months of speculation, mainly involving the future of the four-time world champion and possible team changes. Piastri, who was even pointed out as a potential driver who could lose space if Verstappen went to McLaren, stated that the new agreements do not significantly change his own situation.
“I don’t think this changes much for me. I think it’s probably better for us, as drivers, that there is a bit more stability overall,” Piastri said. For him, longer contracts can offer greater predictability for those who intend to stay in the category for several years.
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When specifically commenting on the agreements of Verstappen and Norris, the Australian said he believes there are mechanisms that allow changes in contract conditions: “I’m sure there are clauses in both directions, at various points in these contracts. I would be surprised if there was any really big contract that didn’t have room for maneuver, either from the team’s side or the driver’s,” he added.
Piastri, however, highlighted that the duration of the ties also represents a demonstration of trust between the parties. According to him, a longer agreement shows the intention of the team and driver to work together, as well as creating a predefined structure in case the relationship continues to evolve as expected: “It’s good to have a bit more certainty about how things will happen,” he concluded.
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