Webber dismisses Piastri to McLaren exit rumours as ‘fiction’
Piastri’s McLaren future addressed by manager
Mark Webber, manager for Oscar Piastri, has responded to recent speculation regarding the Australian driver’s position at McLaren. Webber stated that there has been “a lot of fiction written” concerning Piastri’s future with the team.
Reports had suggested that Max Verstappen’s management held informal discussions about opportunities at McLaren. These reports followed earlier rumours that Verstappen could potentially swap seats with Piastri, a notion previously dismissed by Team Principal Andrea Stella.
Piastri, who has a multi-year contract with McLaren, affirmed his contentment with the team during the British Grand Prix weekend. He commented that he has “multiple reassurances that the team are very happy with me and I’m very happy with the team.”
Webber echoed Piastri’s sentiments, confirming that Piastri is “contracted to McLaren for the foreseeable future.” He described talk of Piastri agitating to leave as “nonsense,” adding that McLaren has consistently expressed their desire for him to remain with the team long-term, a focus Piastri shares.
Speculation surrounding driver movements
The renewed speculation about Piastri’s future is intertwined with discussions surrounding Max Verstappen’s own situation. Despite having a contract until the end of 2028, an exit clause could allow Verstappen to leave his current team as early as the end of the current season.
This clause reportedly allows for contract termination if Verstappen is not among the top two positions in the standings by the start of the summer break. He is currently in seventh place, making it mathematically impossible to reach the top two by that deadline. Paddock sources suggest he has until early October to activate this clause.
The relationship between Verstappen and his team has reportedly become strained due to a weaker start to the season than anticipated and recent technical issues. While an upgrade package showed some results, a rear-wing incident at Spielberg and Silverstone reportedly disheartened the driver and reignited rumours about his future.
Reports indicate that Verstappen’s management has engaged in discussions with representatives from Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren. Some theories even suggest that a sabbatical year or complete retirement for Verstappen is not entirely out of the question.
One scenario circulating involves a potential seat swap between Verstappen and Piastri for 2027. Other rumours suggest that if Verstappen moves to another team or leaves the grid, Piastri could take his place.
Sources within Red Bull circles have reaffirmed that the team’s primary goal is to maintain their relationship with Verstappen. However, Piastri has been considered a potential successor if a situation were to arise, a notion that remains accurate according to sources, although other candidates are also on the list.
McLaren leadership backs current drivers
McLaren CEO Zak Brown also commented on the rumours, stating he is “very happy with my two racing drivers, Lando and Oscar.” He acknowledged that a name like Max Verstappen generates excitement but reiterated his satisfaction with the current driver lineup.
Lando Norris, like Piastri, also holds a multi-year deal with McLaren. Brown’s comments were made at Silverstone, prior to the rumours intensifying.
Sources close to Piastri have dismissed suggestions to one publication that he could trigger an exit from McLaren or be moved aside as “purely speculative.” The situation surrounding driver movements is expected to be a significant talking point in the paddock at Spa-Francorchamps and the Hungaroring, the final two rounds before the summer break.
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Source: formula1.com
