McLaren already seem to have a plan in place if Oscar Piastri chooses to leave the team in the near future.

Oscar Piastri has gone from being a championship contender at McLaren in 2025 to a driver who is now falling behind Lando Norris.

Piastri has been told he lacks passion this season, but fans have also suggested that he needs to leave the environment at McLaren. Users on TalkingPoints urged Piastri to leave McLaren.

How well do you think McLaren handled the collision between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in Singapore?

Oscar Piastri’s McLaren replacement is already lined up

There were previously reports linking Piastri to Red Bull, and while Zak Brown made it clear that he wants Max Verstappen at McLaren, it seems the top option will be to dip into their junior academy.

McLaren reserve driver Leonardo Fornaroli was denied a spot on the Formula 1 grid for 2027 because of Haas signing Rafa Camara, but there are still high hopes for the F3 and F2 champion.

Not only is Fornaroli set to be behind the wheel of the MCL40 at the upcoming practice sessions in Mexico and Sao Paulo for McLaren, but he has also secured a racing seat in 2027.

McLaren have decided that Fornaroli will join their Hypercar programme in the 2027 FIA WEC.

If Piastri does choose to move on from McLaren, then Fornaroli appears to be in pole position to claim his racing seat.

How long is Oscar Piastri’s McLaren contract?

In 2025, Piastri signed a contract extension with McLaren which is expected to run until 2028.

However, there have already been reports of Piastri considering a contract termination as tension grew about his future with McLaren.

There has been a fracture in Mark Webber’s relationship with McLaren, and Piastri’s agent could lead the charge for the Australian driver to move elsewhere.