Oscar Piastri addresses Max Verstappen's Red Bull contract extension: 'Nothing to do with me'

GPblog previously reported that talks had indeed been held with McLaren’s leadership, between CEO Zak Brown and Verstappen both individually and via his management, but the McLaren boss has also made it clear that any potential move would have only taken place in the longer term, rather than in 2027, having reiterated his satisfaction with current drivers Piastri and Lando Norris.

Brown said: "We're very happy with our driver line-up. It has stayed like that for a couple of years, so I don't see any opportunity at the moment here at McLaren." Meanwhile, Piastri himself has appeared relaxed over the situation for some time, telling media, including GPblog that he was set to drive for McLaren in 2027. "Yes. I didn't realize there was a point of contention," he said at the Belgian GP.

Piastri then added: "Clearly, Max is feeling, I don't know, maybe he's not in a great position at the moment or exploring options. It was the same thing last year with him and Mercedes. So it's nothing new, but I'm very happy with where I'm at, where things are at and how it's been going."

With Verstappen's longer term future, both in F1 and at Red Bull, finally cleared up as the sport returns to his home race at Zandvoort for the very last time, Piastri was asked by GPblog for his reaction to the news. The 25-year-old replied: "I was never really worried about it. From where I'm sat, it's not really anything to do with me."

Piastri was later quizzed on how long he could see himself with the Woking-based team, in reference to Verstappen's new contract, which if completed, will see the Dutchman having been a Red Bull driver for 15 years - beating Lewis Hamillton's record of 12 seasons at Mercedes.

"15? I'm not sure, that's a long time," Piastri quipped. "But no, 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 you know, when you look at my career and 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 incredible opportunities already.