Former McLaren F1 driver thinks Oscar Piastri needs to tell Zak Brown ‘enough is enough’

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Former McLaren F1 driver Mark Blundell believes a “change in scenery” for Oscar Piastri would benefit the nine-time Grand Prix winner amid rumours of a potential exit from Woking.

With Max Verstappen seemingly trying to force a move out of Red Bull amid concerns over the team’s future, the Dutchman has been identified as the key to the 2027 F1 driver market. Any sort of move to a rival team is certain to see dominoes fall into place.

One of those dominoes is Oscar Piastri, who isn’t too pleased with his current team, either. Piastri has “lost faith” in McLaren, according to Ralf Schumacher, and a straight swap between the Australian and his 2025 title rival has been heavily rumoured.

If you were Zak Brown, would you sign Max Verstappen or keep Oscar Piastri?

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It also emerged this week that Piastri is considering terminating his current contract with McLaren over his unhappiness at the team, with reports citing the British constructor’s use of team orders last year as the catalyst for ‘internal friction’ between both parties.

With the F1 paddock split on whether Piastri should remain in Woking or depart for Milton Keynes, former F1 driver Mark Blundell believes it’s time for the 25-year-old to move on.

• READ MORE: ‘Sources’ close to Oscar Piastri make clear statement on claims he wants to leave McLaren

Mark Blundell thinks a change of scenery would be a ‘good thing’ for Oscar Piastri

With Piastri’s three-and-a-half-year F1 CV boasting nine wins, 28 podiums and six pole positions, it’s clear that he is a special talent who still has a lot of time on the grid ahead of him.

As such, Blundell believes the McLaren ace is growing tired of racing in the shadow of his world championship-winning teammate.

During an appearance on Drive to Wynn, the three-time F1 podium-sitter told host Justin Bell, “Piastri must be a little bit tired of playing second fiddle to Lando Norris because that’s probably how he feels and how they’ve expressed themselves.

“Would it be a good thing for him to go in somewhere and be a team leader? Yeah, possibly.”

Blundell was then asked what he would be telling Piastri if he was in the shoes of the Australian’s manager, Mark Webber, to which he replied, “Maybe a change of scenery would be a good thing.

• READ MORE: Zak Brown’s genius move in Oscar Piastri contract talks shows he’s wanted Max Verstappen for years

“The guy has got a huge amount of potential, he’s got the right attitude, and he’s definitely got the ability. Sometimes, when you’re in a dynamic of a team, and you can’t quite get the traction you need, and you can’t quite break through.”

The British pundit then urged Piastri to disclose to McLaren’s leadership that he must explore a new challenge, adding, “It’s a call that maybe enough is enough, and there’s pastures new to be looked at. So I think that would maybe be a plus for him.”