The two drivers were confronted about the ongoing speculation during Thursday’s media day ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix but offered vastly different responses when questioned about their plans for next season.
Piastri gave a one-word “Yes” when directly asked whether he would remain with McLaren in 2027, insisting he had received reassurances from McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown and team principal Andrea Stella.
“I didn’t realise it was a point of contention,” Piastri said.
“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.”
Verstappen has been increasingly linked with McLaren as questions continue over his position at Red Bull following the team’s difficult start to Formula 1’s new regulatory era.
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The Dutchman is contracted until the end of 2028, although reports have claimed his deal contains an exit clause connected to his championship position at the summer break.
Verstappen sits seventh in the drivers’ championship after nine rounds, leaving him unable to climb into the top two before the August shutdown.
Reports surrounding last month’s Austrian Grand Prix claimed members of Verstappen’s management had spoken with McLaren, although Brown has repeatedly maintained there is no vacancy alongside reigning world champion Lando Norris.
Piastri has nevertheless emerged as the driver most frequently linked with making way, despite signing a multi-year extension with McLaren before the 2025 Australian Grand Prix.
Asked whether McLaren could be holding discussions with Verstappen without his knowledge, Piastri said he was unconcerned.
“I don’t know. I’m not really that bothered,” he said.
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“I think it’s important for people to know where things sit, where the market sits. Any information you can get is good.
“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.”
His response followed another firm rejection of the rumours from manager Mark Webber, who earlier this week dismissed suggestions Piastri was seeking a way out of McLaren.
While Piastri offered a clear answer over his future, Verstappen repeatedly declined opportunities to confirm he would remain with Red Bull next season.
Asked during the FIA press conference whether he had an update to provide, Verstappen answered “No” before responding “Nothing” when questioned about what he made of the speculation.
He was then asked whether he had a date in mind to make a decision.
“No, there is nothing to say from my side,” Verstappen replied.
Pressed on whether that meant he remained fully committed to Red Bull for 2027, he added: “I said there is nothing to say.”
Verstappen later offered a longer response when directly asked whether he wanted to remain with the team next season.
“I don’t want to go here, and say yes or no and this or that about my future,” he said.
“I have said many times about my future that if there is something new [to say], I will say it myself.”
The four-time world champion also denied he had privately decided his future, insisting his attention remained on helping Red Bull address the problems that have left it behind the leading teams.
“No, I’m just busy trying to make sure we take the right steps here,” he said.
“Outside of that, I had my sister’s wedding as well, so everything will come naturally. That’s always been the case.”
Red Bull’s difficult campaign continued at Silverstone last time out, where Verstappen retired following another incident connected to the rear wing after encountering a similar problem in Austria.
He returned to the team’s factory several days later for simulator work and discussions over the car’s ongoing weaknesses.
“Now we’re just looking to the future trying to fix current issues that we have on the car, but that’s an open discussion,” Verstappen said.
“Yes, sometimes you get a little bit disappointed or upset after a race, but for example after Silverstone, you go home and you reset.
“On Wednesday, I was back at the factory and then you prepare again for the weekends ahead. That’s how I’ve been operating in all the years together.”
Opening practice for the Belgian Grand Prix gets underway at 9:30pm AEST on Friday.
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