Webber addresses Piastri's McLaren future amid Verstappen speculation

Verstappen has been linked with a switch to the reigning champions, with sources telling GPblog that an announcement is imminent. There has been no official confirmation from any party, but insiders say a move is growing closer after Verstappen's DNF at the British Grand Prix.

Should Verstappen switch to McLaren, it would mean that either Piastri or his world champion teammate Lando Norris would have to make way. Speculation over a swap involving Piastri and Verstappen has intensified over recent months, although the Australian said that rumours surrounding McLaren and Verstappen "don't mean much" while speaking during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend.

Speaking to RACER, former Red Bull driver and Piastri's current agent, Webber, has slammed speculation suggesting that Piastri is looking for a way out of his McLaren seat.

“Oscar is contracted to McLaren for the foreseeable future,” Webber told RACER. “Talk of him agitating to leave is nonsense.

Webber's comments come after McLaren CEO Zak Brown said he was happy with his two drivers. However, speaking during the Austrian GP weekend, Brown also did not rule out a move for Verstappen.

“Well, I’d be very surprised if Lando [Norris] or Oscar [Piastri] went elsewhere because they’re very happy. Of course, we’ve got contracts, but even besides that, contract aside, we’re very happy with them. They’re very happy here,” Brown told Sky Sports.

“If, for some strange reason, someone slipped on a banana peel getting out of the tub, then yeah, of course, Max is a four-time world champion,” he added.