Oscar Piastri ends Max Verstappen McLaren rumour with one-word answer

Oscar Piastri has ended speculation that Max Verstappen could move to McLaren in 2027 by confirming, in a single word, he will remain at Woking next season.

The Red Bull driver is known to be exploring his options away from Red Bull, and can leave for 2027 if he so wishes, should he decide to trigger his exit clause, the conditions of which have now been met.

With Mercedes and Ferrari both having no room for Verstappen, the only other team he could realistically join is McLaren - with rumours emerging over the recent Austrian GP weekend that the Verstappen camp had begun talks with McLaren over a potential seat.

CEO Zak Brown was firm that whilst he respected Verstappen's skills and what he could bring to the team, he was happy with Lando Norris and Piastri as his driver line-up. 

Nevertheless, Piastri has continued to be the driver linked with making way should Verstappen join, something his manager Mark Webber gave short shrift last week, declaring nothing had changed and that the Australian would remain alongside Norris.

Speaking ahead of the Belgian GP weekend, where he is the defending race winner, Piastri all-but ended speculation of Verstappen taking his seat with a one-word answer. 

"Yes," Piastri replied when directly asked by media, including RacingNews365, if he was going to race for McLaren in 2027. 

"I didn't realise it was a point of contention," he then elaborated.

"Obviously, I've seen and heard some of the rumours, and for me, I am very comfortable with where I am and where I sit, and Zak and Andrea have been great through that and very reassuring.

"Clearly, Max is not feeling in a great position at the moment and is exploring options. It was the same thing last year with him and Mercedes, so it is nothing new, but I am very happy with where I am and where it is going.

"I'm not really bothered. It is important for people to know where things sit, where the market sits, and all the information you can get is good. 

"So I trust the team here and the things I have been told and the belief in me, so that is all I really care about."