Oscar Piastri Brushes Off Max Verstappen Links: 'I'm Very Comfortable'

Oscar Piastri has reassured fans that he will be racing for McLaren next year, despite recent speculation linking him with Max Verstappen's potential move to the team.

What happened?

Ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa, it emerged that Verstappen's camp had approached McLaren for a conversation about a potential future race seat for the four-time world champion. Zak Brown, McLaren Racing's CEO, said that talks "didn't go anywhere" as both Piastri and Lando Norris, his world champion teammate, are under long-term contracts with the team.

Why it matters for Oscar Piastri

Piastri penned his latest long-term deal with McLaren on the eve of the 2025 season, and led the majority of last year's world championship before ultimately finishing third, 10 points shy of Norris in the final standings. In an exclusive interview with The Athletic in May, Piastri stressed his belief that he can become world champion in the future with McLaren, while Brown also expressed faith in the Australian to achieve that goal in a McLaren car.

What comes next?

When asked on Thursday if he'd found the noise surrounding his future ahead of Spa unsettling at all, Piastri said he'd "obviously seen some of it and heard some of it" but felt "very comfortable with where I am and where I sit." Piastri added: "Zak and Andrea (Stella, McLaren's team principal) and the whole team have been great through all that, very reassuring. I've been the same for them.

Verstappen's uncertain future

Verstappen is yet to publicly confirm his plans for next year. Although he is under contract with Red Bull to the end of 2028, the team has struggled for performance this year, leaving the Dutchman seventh in the drivers' championship with just two podium finishes to his name. Such a low championship position could allow Verstappen to trigger an exit clause in his Red Bull contract and leave him free to explore options away from the team if he desires.

Verstappen's response

During Thursday's FIA news conference, Verstappen stated there was no update to give on his future and that he made "nothing" of the recent speculation. He also deflected a question about having a date in mind to make a decision, saying there was "nothing to say from my side."

Piastri's confidence

Piastri offered a straightforward response when he was asked on Thursday if he would be racing for McLaren next year. "Yes," Piastri said, his initial one-word reply sparking some chuckles among the assembled reporters. "I didn't realise it was a point of contention, but yes.