Max Verstappen’s 2027 McLaren move blocked by Oscar Piastri’s contract

Max Verstappen’s hopes of joining McLaren in 2027 have been dashed by Oscar Piastri’s ironclad contract.

What did Piastri say?

Piastri shut down rumors linking Verstappen to his McLaren seat on Friday, just before the Belgian Grand Prix. Asked if he’ll still be driving for McLaren next season, Piastri replied: “Yes. I didn’t realise it was a point of contention, but yes.”

The 25-year-old Australian added that McLaren’s leadership has reassured him repeatedly. “Zak [Brown] and Andrea [Stella] and the whole team have been great through all that, very reassuring,” he said. Piastri also brushed off reports of McLaren executives meeting with Verstappen’s camp, adding: “I’m not really that bothered.”

Why the Verstappen rumors surfaced

Verstappen, the four-time F1 world champion, has been the subject of “silly season” chatter for months. Reports claimed he explored a 2027 exit from Red Bull, with McLaren’s vacant seat-Piastri’s-floating as a potential destination. A secret meeting between Verstappen’s team and McLaren’s CEO Zak Brown in Austria fueled the speculation.

Piastri’s manager Mark Webber went further last week, calling the rumors “nonsense.” Webber told *RACER*: “Oscar is contracted to McLaren for the foreseeable future. Talk of him agitating to leave is nonsense. McLaren have repeatedly said they want him for the long-term, and Oscar is focused on that.”

What this means for Verstappen

Verstappen’s options for 2027 now look narrower after Piastri’s confirmation. The Dutchman’s future at Red Bull remains unclear, though team principal Christian Horner has insisted Verstappen remains “100% committed” to the team. Still, the McLaren door is closed-at least for now.

Piastri’s stance suggests McLaren’s hierarchy is firmly behind him. “I trust the team here, the things I’ve been told and the belief in me,” he said. “That’s all I really care about.”

What comes next?

Verstappen’s 2027 plans hinge on Red Bull’s next move. The team has yet to address the rumors publicly, but Horner has dismissed any suggestion of a rift. Meanwhile, Piastri’s focus stays on McLaren, where he’s under contract through 2027.

The Belgian Grand Prix looms as the next flashpoint. Verstappen will aim to extend his lead in the drivers’ standings, while Piastri looks to build on his strong start to the season. For now, the Australian’s seat is safe-and Verstappen’s potential switch is off the table.