Double stance
First it was said by Mark Webber, now Oscar Piastri has spoken out directly. If we are to believe the words of the protagonists, the 2027 driver market should not foresee shocks regarding the McLaren line-up. No dramatic moves, no signing of Max Verstappen but absolute confidence in the long-term contracts of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The rumors of recent weeks are known: the hypothesis was a seat swap between the Australian and the Dutchman, exploiting the respective performance clauses to free themselves from the long-term contracts that bind them to their current teams.
The dissatisfaction of the four-time world champion at Red Bull is evident, but now the other essential element for this negotiation is fading: that Piastri wants to leave Woking and McLaren. First his manager, former driver Mark Webber, and then himself, in a recent chat with the BBC podcast Chequered Flag Extra recorded during the days of the Goodwood festival, expressed very clear words about the future.
Straight to the point
They did not beat around the bush, unlike Verstappen who often does when asked if he still sees himself at Red Bull in the coming years. Piastri was rather clear: “For me, the important thing is to focus on my work – said the Australian – I know I will stay here for a while and I know the team is happy with me. I am also happy with the team and the relationship is good. So, for me, it’s just talk and it’s not my business to deal with it.” Got it Max? Look elsewhere.
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Now, it is true that in Formula 1 we have seen many statements denied by facts overnight, but why expose yourself so much publicly if there really was a concrete possibility of changing teams? At this point Verstappen’s future seems to be able to take only two paths: ‘forced’ stay at Red Bull or farewell to F1. Whether temporary or permanent, only he can know that.
