Steiner says Piastri could be replaced by Lawson at McLaren

Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has suggested Liam Lawson could be an option for McLaren should Oscar Piastri fail to rediscover his form in F1 2027. Speaking on The Red Flags Podcast, Steiner said that another season like Piastri's 2026 campaign would likely prompt McLaren CEO Zak Brown to look for the next Oscar.

Piastri has made the podium only twice in F1 2026, while teammate Lando Norris has won three grands prix. Lawson was recently confirmed to remain with Racing Bulls for 2027, which keeps speculation about his longer-term future in the sport alive. Steiner also said Brown tends to favour younger talent and to buy it cheaply, rather than bringing back Carlos Sainz.

Steiner added that he was not surprised by Piastri's split from long-time manager Mark Webber, and said he believed Piastri was safe at McLaren for next season. McLaren currently sit fourth in the standings with four rounds remaining.