Jul.13 (GMM) Max Verstappen’s options for 2027 appear to be narrowing as speculation over a possible move to McLaren has been firmly played down.
Reports following the British GP suggested Oscar Piastri could be looking for a way out of his McLaren contract, potentially opening the door for Verstappen.
But Piastri’s manager, Mark Webber, rejects the claims.
“Oscar is contracted to McLaren for the foreseeable future,” he told Racer.
“Talk of him agitating to leave is nonsense.”
Piastri struck a similar tone in a BBC interview when asked about the continuing speculation linking Verstappen with McLaren.
“For me, just trying to focus on my job is the main thing,” the Australian said.
“I know that I’m here for the next while and I know the team are happy with me. I’m happy with the team and the relationship is good.
“So for me that’s just noise and not for me to deal with.”
The uncertainty surrounding Verstappen intensified after Silverstone, where the Dutchman publicly criticised Red Bull following another rear wing failure and fresh disagreements over strategy.
Former Formula 1 driver Timo Glock believes the team’s decision to become its own engine manufacturer has only increased the significance of Verstappen’s widely reported exit clause.
“It’s clear that since the new engine regulations, since Red Bull became a manufacturer, they’ve included more in the exit clause to ensure they can get out if things go wrong,” he told Heute.
“Everyone’s talking about the exit clause, which apparently exists. The question is, what alternatives does he have?”
Verstappen’s father Jos and manager Raymond Vermeulen were seen meeting retired Red Bull adviser Dr Helmut Marko in Amsterdam after Silverstone, amid reports the Verstappen camp misses the Austrian’s influence within the team.
Glock said Red Bull’s decline cannot be blamed on one individual.
“Helmut Marko was someone who led the team to a certain degree of success and installed the right people,” he said.
“They’ve all left now. This shows that a restructuring is taking place and that you can’t simply replace people with that kind of experience.”
Former Formula 1 driver Christian Danner doubts Verstappen will leave.
“I simply can’t imagine Toto Wolff pairing Max Verstappen with his protege Antonelli,” he told motorsport-magazin.com.
“McLaren remains. But the team is currently struggling.
“Frankly, I think he’ll stay in his position and try to make things work. The next three months will tell where things are headed.”
Former Formula 1 driver Christijan Albers believes Mercedes has even less reason to pursue Verstappen if Kimi Antonelli continues his current form.
“If Kimi Antonelli stays on this line, getting so much faster than Russell, I see no reason why Toto Wolff would make another big purchase,” he told De Telegraaf.
He added that Webber’s interest in the driver market should not be overinterpreted.
“Mark Webber, of course, continues to look around for Piastri,” said Albers. “It’s possible he’s leaving. It has nothing to do with Max.
“Mark is constantly looking around and the same is true for Max.”
