The Australian faced questions over the growing speculation during media day at Silverstone ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix, after reports emerged linking Verstappen with a shock switch to the Woking squad.
Verstappen’s camp has reportedly held informal discussions with McLaren CEO Zak Brown amid ongoing uncertainty over the Dutchman’s long-term future at Red Bull.
Any move for the four-time world champion would create a major headache for McLaren, with both Piastri and Lando Norris tied to long-term deals.
Reports have suggested Verstappen could partner reigning world champion Norris at McLaren, a scenario that would leave Piastri as the driver forced out of the team.
However, Piastri insisted the rumours had not changed his outlook.
“For me, it doesn’t mean much,” Piastri said.
“Obviously, Max is the talent he is and is looking around.
“I’m very happy with where I am. I’ve been told multiple times that the team are happy with me, and I trust them.”
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Piastri is in his fourth season with McLaren, having joined the team in 2023 before helping it return to the front of the grid alongside Norris.
McLaren announced a multi-year contract extension for the Australian at the start of last year, leaving the team with no obvious vacancy should Verstappen become available.
Piastri pointed to that deal as another reason he was not concerned by the speculation.
The latest round of rumours has gathered pace following the Austrian Grand Prix, where Verstappen delivered his strongest result of the 2026 season with second place behind George Russell.
It came after a difficult start to the year for Red Bull, with Verstappen’s manager Raymond Vermeulen warning the team it must provide a car capable of fighting at the front.
Verstappen remains contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2028, but his future has been the subject of constant speculation amid the team’s struggles.
Norris, who was also been asked about the prospect of Verstappen joining McLaren, said the attention around the reports had been overblown.
“To be honest, a lot of drivers want to come to McLaren, so I don’t know why you just… I don’t know why you just highlight Max,” Norris said.
“There’s quite a few others that I know want to come as well.
“So, no, I mean, it’s a cool thing. It’s a good thing that a four-time world champion wants to come on board and potentially join the team.
“I don’t know how much of it is true, but it’s a cool thing.
“And if there’s an opportunity for me to drive with other people, it’s something I’ve always looked forward to. But it’s not a thing for now. It’s not a serious thing, and I’m also just excited for my future with McLaren.
“I’m still going to be here for many, many more years, so I’m excited for whoever I get partnered with.
“But, for the time being, me and Oscar are working very well together and, yeah, we’re excited to work together for more years too.
“So, that’s our focus for now.”
Norris also said he would not shy away from the challenge of racing alongside Verstappen if the opportunity ever came.
“I do believe I can beat any driver,” he said.
“I think what makes Max so incredible is how he is over the course of a season, every single weekend performing to the level that he does is what’s impressive.
“I think a lot of drivers on the grid can go out and get a pole and can put in incredible laps.
“What makes people great and elite is performing at that level, but in every practice, every Qualifying, every race.
“I think that’s something Max is able to do probably better than almost everyone.”
Verstappen, meanwhile, made clear at Silverstone that he had little interest in feeding the speculation further.
“I’m not gonna involve myself in that,” Verstappen said when asked about the McLaren reports.
“If there’s something new or something that changes, you will hear it from me, not from someone else writing it, right?”
The Dutchman said his focus remained on Red Bull’s recent progress after its upgraded package helped him return to podium contention in Austria.
” I just focus on the job that I have with my team,” Verstappen added.
“We are on the way up, so that’s really nice to see. I had a really positive weekend in Austria.
“We’re just trying to improve from there further, and I know, of course, it can be quite tough; there’s a lot of competition, but we’re here just to try and go faster.”
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