Oscar Piastri makes defiant statement after Max Verstappen Red Bull extension
Oscar Piastri had been tipped as a possible Red Bull replacement for Max Verstappen.
ZANDVOORT – Oscar Piastri was unfazed by rumours linking Max Verstappen to McLaren, insisting it had no impact on his Formula 1 future.
Verstappen and Red Bull announced in the build-up to the Dutch Grand Prix that the four-time world champion will continue with the team next season after extending his contract by a further two years to 2030.
Oscar Piastri addresses Max Verstappen’s Red Bull extension
The announcement put an end to speculation that Verstappen could switch teams, or even quit the sport, due to an exit clause in his contract.
Multiple sources had told PlanetF1.com that Verstappen was in talks with McLaren about a potential swap that could have seen Verstappen and Piastri switch teams in a straight swap.
Verstappen put paid to that on the eve of the Zandvoort race as F1 returned from its summer break.
“I am really pleased with the contract extension,” he announced. “We have the best people and I’m excited to keep working together with everyone to get back to the top again.
“This remains the ultimate goal that all of us have been working towards and will continue to pursue.”
His announcement also ended speculation about Piastri’s future.
Although the Australian has yet to be officially confirmed by McLaren for the F1 2027 season, McLaren CEO Zak Brown has stated several times that he is happy with his line-up of Piastri and Lando Norris.
As such, Verstappen’s announcement meant little to nothing for Piastri.
“I was never really worried about it,” he told PlanetF1.com and other accredited media in Zandvoort.
“So yeah, from where I’m sat, it is not really anything to do with me. ”
Verstappen’s latest Red Bull contract means, if he sees out the full duration, he would’ve been a Red Bull for 15 years.
More on F1 driver contracts
F1 driver contracts: What is the contract status of every driver on the F1 2026 grid?
F1 2027 driver line-up: Which drivers are already confirmed for the 2027 grid?
Piastri was asked for his thoughts on 15 years with McLaren.
“15?” he replied. “I’m not sure, that’s a long time.
“I think we’ve had a good first three years together, three and a half years.
“Obviously, we’ve had some challenges at various points, but when you look at my career in the position I’ve been able to be in to win two Constructors’ Championships, fight for a Drivers’ Championship, and win races or Sprints in the first three years of my career, McLaren’s given me an incredible opportunity already. Or opportunities already.
“I’m very happy with where I am. They’ve done a lot for me. We’ve got a great relationship, and ultimately, you want to be in the best place you can for success.
“At the moment, I feel like McLaren is definitely the best place for me.”
Additional reporting by Thomas Maher
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