Verstappen-to-McLaren rumors put to bed by Piastri: 'I'm very happy here'

Following the British Grand Prix, the hottest topic in Formula 1 was the rumors linking Verstappen with a move to McLaren. Ahead of this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix at Spa, Piastri firmly shut the door on any potential transfer.

Speaking to GPblog, among others, the Australian confirmed that he will drive for the Woking-based team next year.

He said: "Yes. I didn't realize there was a point of contention, but yes."

Piastri then addressed the rumors connecting Verstappen to his current team. "Yeah, I mean, I've obviously seen some of it and heard some of it. For me, I'm very comfortable with where I am and where I sit, and, you know, Zak [Brown] and Andrea [Stella] and the whole team have been great through all that, very reassuring, and I've been the same to them.

GPblog understands that, at the request of the Dutchman's camp, talks have indeed been held with McLaren’s leadership; between Brown and Verstappen individually, and between the American and the management of the four-time world champion as well.

Piastri has no issue with that whatsoever. He added: "I don't know. I'm not really that bothered. I think it's important for people to know where things sit, where the market sits, and the information you can get is good. So, yeah, I trust the team here. And the things I've been told and the belief in me, so that's all I really care about."