Oscar Piastri has addressed rumors linking four-time world champion Max Verstappen to his McLaren seat, stating that he expects to remain with the team next season. The Australian driver made his clearest statement yet on the speculation during media day ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix.
When asked directly if he would be racing for McLaren in 2027, Piastri responded with a definitive "Yes." He indicated that McLaren CEO Zak Brown and team principal Andrea Stella have provided reassurance regarding his position within the team. "I am very comfortable with where I am and where I sit, and Zak and Andrea have been great through that and very reassuring," Piastri said.
He acknowledged that Verstappen appears to be exploring his options, noting this is not the first time such speculation has arisen, referencing a similar situation last year involving Mercedes. "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 commented.
Piastri also stated he is not concerned by the possibility of McLaren holding discussions with Verstappen behind the scenes, emphasizing his trust in the team. "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," he added.
These comments follow remarks from Piastri's manager, former Formula One driver Mark Webber, who dismissed reports of Piastri seeking a move away from McLaren as "nonsense."
In contrast to Piastri's clear stance, Verstappen was non-committal when questioned about his own future. The Dutch driver, who is contracted with Red Bull until the end of 2028, declined multiple opportunities to confirm his commitment to the team for the upcoming season. When asked for an update on his future, Verstappen replied, "No." He further stated, "I don't want to go here, and say yes or no and this or that about my future. I have said many times about my future that if there is something new [to say], I will say it myself."
Verstappen indicated that his current focus is on helping Red Bull address performance issues related to the new regulations. "No, I'm just busy trying to make sure we take the right steps here," he said. He also mentioned that personal events, such as his sister's wedding, have occupied his time.
The Belgian Grand Prix is a significant event for Piastri, who secured a victory at Spa last year. He noted that McLaren is still working to consistently challenge top teams like Mercedes and Ferrari. "For this weekend I'm not sure where we're going to sit. 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," Piastri stated. He expressed hope that upcoming car upgrades will represent a positive step forward.