Here's the thing about Formula 1 paddock politics: loyalty lasts right up until the next quick driver becomes available. According to Motorsport.com, former Haas Formula 1 team principal Guenther Steiner has delivered a blunt warning regarding Oscar Piastri's long-term prospects at McLaren, suggesting the Australian's seat could be under threat beyond 2027 if his form doesn't improve.
It is a staggering shift in narrative for a driver who was fighting for the world title in 2025. This campaign has proven a much tougher battle, leaving the 25-year-old stranded seventh in the standings with 152 points and three rounds remaining, entirely out of the fight for second in the championship. Speaking on The Red Flags Podcast alongside a co-host who described McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown as "kind of a savage" regarding driver changes, Steiner laid out the ruthless reality of the Woking squad's management.
Zak will look for somebody younger. We all know Zak is pretty good at finding young talent. Zak likes to buy them cheap as well,
"If he has got another year like this next year, you’re right. Zak will look for the next Oscar," Steiner stated on the podcast. "I mean, he needs to find him, but maybe Liam Lawson is free." That potential opening has already tightened up, however, with Lawson having since been retained by Racing Bulls for 2027 alongside his rookie team-mate Arvid Lindblad, meaning any theoretical switch to McLaren would have to wait until later. Steiner also pointed to Haas driver Oliver Bearman as someone with options on the market.
When the conversation turned to the possibility of reuniting 2025 champion Lando Norris with his former team-mate Carlos Sainz, Steiner quickly dismissed the idea based on Brown's known preferences. "Zak will look for somebody younger. We all know Zak is pretty good at finding young talent. Zak likes to buy them cheap as well," Steiner added.
While Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli already secured the title at the Mexican Grand Prix, the battle behind the champion remains fierce as the season winds down. Max Verstappen currently holds second for Red Bull with 279 points, followed by George Russell in third with 262 points and Lewis Hamilton in fourth with 261 points. Charles Leclerc sits fifth with 249 points, while Norris holds sixth with 246 points ahead of Piastri.
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