Oscar Piastri on Max Verstappen's New Contract: "It Has Nothing to Do with Me"

Pulse Sports Team 15:12 - 21 August 2026

McLaren driver Oscar Piastri has weighed in on the sensational news from the Dutch Grand Prix weekend: Max Verstappen has extended his contract with Red Bull until 2030. After months of speculation linking Verstappen to a potential move that could have seen him replace the Australian at McLaren, Piastri stated he "was never worried" about such a prospect.

It was previously revealed that discussions had indeed taken place between McLaren CEO Zak Brown and Verstappen, both individually and through his management. However, the McLaren boss made it clear that any potential transfer would be a long-term consideration, not for 2027, reaffirming his satisfaction with Piastri and Lando Norris's performance.

Brown stated: "We're very happy with our driver lineup. It's been that way for a few years, so I don't see any opportunity here at McLaren right now." Meanwhile, Piastri himself has appeared calm about the situation for some time, telling the media he was confident he would be driving for McLaren in 2027.

"Yes. I didn't realize there was any dispute about that," he said during the Belgian Grand Prix.

Piastri then added: "Obviously Max feels, I don't know, maybe he's not in a great position right now or he's exploring options. It was the same last year with him and Mercedes. So it's nothing new, but I'm very happy with where I am, how things are going, and how they're developing."

With Verstappen's long-term future in Formula 1 and with Red Bull finally clarified as the sport returned to his home track at Zandvoort, Piastri commented on the news: "I was never particularly worried about it. From my perspective, it has nothing to do with me."

Piastri was later asked how long he envisioned himself with the Woking-based team, especially in light of Verstappen's new contract. If fulfilled, this deal would see the Dutchman race for Red Bull for 15 years, surpassing Lewis Hamilton's record of 12 seasons with Mercedes.

"Fifteen? I'm not sure, that's a long time," Piastri joked. "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 different times, but you know, when you look at my career and the position I've been able to be in – winning two Constructors' titles, fighting for a Drivers' Championship, and winning races or sprints in the first three years of my career – McLaren has already provided me with incredible opportunities."

"So, yes, I'm very happy with where I am, and ultimately, you know, they've done a lot for me. We have a great relationship, and ultimately you want to be in the best place for success. Right now, I feel McLaren is definitely the best place for that."

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