Oscar Piastri has again declared he expects to remain at McLaren next season, firmly rejecting speculation that four-time world champion Max Verstappen could replace him in the British team’s driver line-up.
The Australian addressed the rumours during media day ahead of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, offering his clearest response yet after weeks of speculation linking Verstappen with a sensational move away from Red Bull.
Asked directly if he would still be racing for McLaren in 2027, Piastri responded with a simple: ‘Yes.’
The 25-year-old said he had received strong backing from McLaren chief executive Zak Brown and team principal Andrea Stella and remained completely comfortable with his position.
‘I didn’t realise it was a point of contention,’ Piastri said.
‘Obviously, I’ve seen and heard some of the rumours, and for me, I am very comfortable with where I am and where I sit, and Zak and Andrea have been great through that and very reassuring.
Oscar Piastri insists he will remain at McLaren despite growing speculation over Max Verstappen’s future
Piastri says Zak Brown and Andrea Stella have reassured him about his place at McLaren
‘Clearly, Max is not feeling in a great position at the moment and is exploring options. It was the same thing last year with him and Mercedes, so it is nothing new, but I am very happy with where I am and where it is going.’
Piastri also insisted he was unconcerned by suggestions McLaren could be holding discussions with Verstappen behind the scenes.
‘I don’t know. I’m not really that bothered,’ he said.
‘I think it’s important for people to know where things sit, where the market sits. Any information you can get is good.
‘I trust the team here and the things I’ve been told and the belief in me, so that’s all I really care about.’
The comments came after Piastri’s manager, former Formula One driver Mark Webber, dismissed reports the Australian was looking to leave McLaren.
Webber labelled claims Piastri was agitating for a move elsewhere as ‘nonsense’ and said there had been ‘a lot of fiction written’ about the situation.
While Piastri left little room for doubt over his future, Verstappen took the opposite approach when repeatedly questioned about his own plans.
Verstappen says his focus remains on helping Red Bull solve its current performance problemsΒ
The Dutch driver, who remains contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2028, declined several opportunities to confirm he would still be with the team next season.
Asked if he had an update on his future, Verstappen replied: ‘No.’
When pressed further about the speculation, he answered: ‘Nothing.’
He was then asked if he remained fully committed to Red Bull for 2027.
‘I said there is nothing to say,’ Verstappen responded.
Later, the reigning world champion again refused to be drawn into the rumours.
‘I don’t want to go here, and say yes or no and this or that about my future,’ Verstappen said.
‘I have said many times about my future that if there is something new [to say], I will say it myself.’
Instead, Verstappen said his attention remained on helping Red Bull recover from a difficult start to Formula One’s new regulations.
‘No, I’m just busy trying to make sure we take the right steps here,’ he said.
‘Outside of that, I had my sister’s wedding as well, so everything will come naturally. That’s always been the case.’
The Belgian Grand Prix marks a return to one of Piastri’s happiest circuits after his victory at Spa last year, although he admitted McLaren still has work to do before consistently challenging Mercedes and Ferrari.
‘For this weekend I’m not sure where we’re going to sit,’ Piastri said.
‘We’re going to be similar to where we have been which is third or fourth quickest car depending on how competitive Red Bull look really.
‘That’s just the reality of where we are at the moment. Going forwards, hopefully the new parts we can bring to the car will help us out.
‘We’re under no illusion that we’re going to need more than the upgrades we’re bringing the next few races but hopefully, it’s a positive step in the right direction and we can at least be there to pick up the pieces.’
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