Photo by Simon Galloway/LAT Images
McLaren driver Oscar Piastri dismissed rumors of a shocking move to Red Bull
It would not be a week in Formula 1 without the rumor mill spinning into action in the paddock.
The latest imaginative tale? Mark Webber, who represents McLaren driver Oscar Piastri, is “ intensively seeking conversation” with Red Bull for a seat alongside Max Verstappen in 2026. At least, that is the claim being made by Red Bull Senior Advisor Dr. Helmut Marko, never one to shy away from offering a spicy quote or two during a race week.
During Thursday’s media day ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix, Piastri himself brushed aside the rumor, noting he is “happy” at McLaren.
“I think we all know that Helmut says a lot of things in the press. As far as I’m aware there’s no truth to it,” began Piastri during his broadcast media session. “I’m very, very happy where I am. The team have supported me massively since I came into F1, they gave me my opportunity in F1. At the moment in the standings we’re in a very happy place, so I am more than happy with where I am at the moment.”
Piastri also addressed the F1 Constructors’ Championship pecking order, which saw Ferrari inch closer to the top of the table with their stunning one-two finish last weekend in the United States Grand Prix. Now, with five race weekends left, McLaren leads the way with 544 points, followed by Red Bull with 504 points, and Ferrari in third with 496.
“I think we’re still pretty positive that we can be winning a lot of races at the end of the year, but Ferrari have looked strong for a while. Red Bull look to be more competitive as well, so the competition is just very, very tight still,” said Piastri in Mexico City.
“I don’t think there’s any alarm bells, so to speak, but we do need to be on top of our game. But certainly in the Constructors’ Championship we’re still in the position to be in which is at the front, but of course we want to try and keep that lead and extend where we can.”
