Oscar Piastri dismisses Verstappen-to-McLaren rumors after Red Bull extension

Oscar Piastri has dismissed speculation linking Max Verstappen to McLaren, insisting Verstappen's Red Bull extension through 2030 has no impact on his own future. With the reigning world champion now locked in at Red Bull, Piastri reaffirmed that McLaren remains the best place for his career.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's new deal secures him at Red Bull for what could be a 15-year stint, killing rumors of a straight swap with Piastri. For McLaren, retaining Piastri secures a driver who has already delivered race wins and championship fights in his opening seasons with the team.

The details:

• Verstappen and Red Bull announced a two-year extension through 2030 ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, ending speculation fueled by an exit clause in his prior deal.
• Multiple sources had linked Verstappen to McLaren in a potential swap that would have seen Piastri move to Red Bull, but those talks are now dead.
• Piastri's stance: The Australian insisted he was "never really worried" about the rumors, telling media at Zandvoort the situation had "nothing to do with me."
• McLaren's backing: CEO Zak Brown has repeatedly backed his current lineup of Piastri and Lando Norris, despite Piastri not yet being officially confirmed for 2027.
• Career gratitude: Piastri highlighted McLaren's role in giving him the machinery to win Constructors' titles, fight for a Drivers' Championship, and secure multiple race wins early in his F1 career.

What's next:

With Verstappen off the market and Piastri publicly committed, McLaren can focus on formalizing the Australian's long-term future. The priority now shifts to keeping both Piastri and Norris in machinery capable of sustaining their championship challenges.