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Mark Webber has responded to reports linking Oscar Piastri with a move away from McLaren amid apparent talks with Max Verstappen.
Verstappen’s future has been a major talking point since the 2026 Formula 1 season got underway in Melbourne, Australia.
It has been widely reported that the four-time world champion is unhappy with the new F1 regulations, with his discontent further enhanced by Red Bull’s disappointing start to the campaign.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Piastri is considering terminating his McLaren contract, which would then open the door for the team to make a move for Verstappen.
Piastri has since been linked with Red Bull and Audi, and his manager Webber has now spoken out about the rumours.
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Mark Webber says McLaren want Oscar Piastri for the ‘long term’
Speaking to RACER journalist Chris Medland, Webber branded the rumours surrounding Piastri’s future as ‘nonsense’.
The Australian added that Piastri is contracted to McLaren for the ‘foreseeable future’ and claims that he wants to leave are wide of the mark.
He went on to say that there has been a lot of ‘fiction’ written about Piastri and other teams and reassured that McLaren want him for the ‘long term’.
Webber said: “Oscar is contracted to McLaren for the foreseeable future. Talk of him agitating to leave is nonsense.
“There has been a lot of fiction written about him and other teams… McLaren have repeatedly said they want him for the long term and Oscar is focused on that.”
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So far in the 2026 season, Piastri has failed to reach the heights of 2025, with McLaren so far struggling to keep up with the likes of Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes.
As things stand, Piastri sits sixth in the world championship standings with 82 points, 15 points behind McLaren teammate and reigning world champion Lando Norris.
Amid the uncertainty surrounding Piastri’s future, McLaren CEO Zak Brown has previously stated that he is happy with his driver line-up.
The American joked that he would sign Verstappen in a heartbeat, but only if he had a third car available at McLaren.
Last weekend, it was a tough race for Piastri as he managed an 11th-place finish at the British Grand Prix around Silverstone, with teammate Norris coming home in fourth.
The 2026 F1 season will resume next weekend with the Belgian Grand Prix, taking place at Spa-Francorchamps.
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