Ralf Schumacher nails what Oscar Piastri must demand from Zak Brown after 2025 McLaren debacle

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McLaren driver Oscar Piastri might have lost his grasp on the drivers’ championship this season, but he’s now in a uniquely strong negotiating position with CEO Zak Brown.

Heading into the Qatar Grand Prix, there is still an outside chance that Oscar Piastri can win the championship.

Piastri is 24 points behind his McLaren teammate Lando Norris in the standings, with Red Bull star Max Verstappen driving perfectly during the second half of the season to put himself in contention.

The Australian now finds himself in an uncomfortable position, with McLaren insisting that both drivers will be allowed to fight for the championship, but knowing that his hopes rest on Norris and Verstappen failing to deliver.

Piastri’s title challenge has fallen apart since winning the Dutch Grand Prix, as he appeared to look more and more uncomfortable in a car that delivered him seven victories earlier in the campaign.

Ralf Schumacher has put himself in Piastri’s shoes for the final two races of the season and has made a suggestion about how he should approach his conversations with Zak Brown that makes total sense.

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Oscar Piastri must demand 2026 McLaren parity from Zak Brown or threaten to leave the team

Schumacher was asked on the Backstage Boxengasse Podcast what he would do in Piastri’s position with the prospect of McLaren backing Norris with the threat of Verstappen looming.

He said: “I would be reluctant to do it, but it also depends on what you promise him and how you approach him.

“There are two possibilities, right? One possibility is that next year everything starts from scratch again. And you try to help him over the winter, just like you did with Norris when he was struggling at the beginning.

“But there’s also the possibility, if you believe the rumours, that there are opportunities and possibilities for him to go elsewhere, to have different conditions, maybe even to earn more money.

“So, now I think he could theoretically, except for the last few races, he’s now a more highly-rated driver in the paddock, and if I were him and I wanted to leave, I would say to Zak Brown, OK, let’s go into next season and see how the first practice session goes.

“But yes, I am aware of the 24-point difference. Something has to happen; I have to be very lucky.

“So now let’s race, and if I can help, I will help, but I also have a request. And all of that can be negotiated at the table, if you want to.”

READ MORE: Zak Brown pays the ultimate ‘compliment’ to Max Verstappen at the Las Vegas Grand Prix

What options are available to Oscar Piastri if he’s forced to leave McLaren?

Piastri has a long-term deal at McLaren, but Formula 1 contracts contain a myriad of clauses and caveats that would likely allow the Australian to move on at the end of the 2026 season if certain conditions are met.

The Australian is undoubtedly talented, and if he can get to the bottom of what’s gone wrong in the past few months, then there’s no reason why he can’t challenge for the championship again next year, provided that McLaren’s car is competitive.

He could earn a financial incentive by helping Norris for the rest of the season, but Piastri is unlikely to want to accept that.

However, if next year doesn’t go to plan and Piastri needs to find a way out, then almost every team on the grid will bend over backwards to try and sign him.

Piastri has been linked with Ferrari this season, although the current state of the Scuderia might not be the most attractive option.

The likes of Red Bull, Mercedes and Aston Martin wouldn’t turn down a move for the 24-year-old either. However, in an ideal world, Piastri will be able to achieve his Formula 1 ambitions with McLaren.