F1 Today | Verstappen's future increasingly clear, as Webber addresses Piastri McLaren exit rumours

A move by Max Verstappen to McLaren is not entirely ruled out but it does not appear likely in the short term. GPblog understands that after numerous conversations with those involved, the odds are greater that Verstappen will remain with Red Bull Racing or temporarily put his Formula 1 career on hold after this season.

The Formula 1 world was abuzz with paddock rumours that Verstappen was in negotiations with McLaren. However, as the week has progressed, more and more sources say that a move to the British team is not realistic in the short term for the four-time world champion.

GPblog understands that, at the request of Verstappen's camp, separate talks were held between McLaren CEO Zak Brown and Verstappen, and between the American and the Dutchman's management. Brown is said to have hinted that a collaboration with Verstappen is an option but only in the longer term. The fact that Verstappen's camp refuses to state that he will not go to McLaren is seen by some as a way to keep pressure on Red Bull, as it remains to be seen whether he stays with the team in 2027.

Mark Webber has slammed "nonsense" speculation that Oscar Piastri is "agitating" an exit from McLaren.

Piastri had been linked with a move to Red Bull as part of a potential swap involving Verstappen heading in the opposite direction. Former Red Bull driver Webber, who represents Piastri, has slammed speculation Piastri is pushing a McLaren exit while speaking to RACER.