‘Sources’ close to Oscar Piastri make clear statement on claims he wants to leave McLaren

Follow us on Google Discover

Oscar Piastri is now at the centre of the F1 driver market, with reports even emerging that he could break out of his contract amid McLaren looking to sign Max Verstappen.

It was only on the eve of the 2025 season that McLaren announced ahead of Piastri’s home race in Australia that the Melbourne native had agreed to a new contract, which is believed to lock him down through 2028. Yet an exit clause may now allow both parties to part ways.

Piastri is even currently in a position that would open the door for his exit clause, unless his results improve before the summer break. It is said that a release clause in Piastri’s contract at McLaren is tied to him being outside the top five in the drivers’ standings by the summer.

If you were Zak Brown, would you sign Max Verstappen or keep Oscar Piastri?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

‘Sources’ close to Oscar Piastri insist he is not looking to terminate his McLaren contract

Given that Verstappen will have from August until October to trigger a release clause in his contract with Red Bull, which is now certain to be available as he cannot climb into the top two in the standings by the summer, the Dutchman is often being linked with Piastri’s seat.

READ MORE: The best moments of Oscar Piastri’s career in Formula 1

But while a report emerged this week that Piastri is considering terminating his contract for McLaren, the thought that he is the one actively looking to leave the papaya crew has been rubbished by ‘sources’ close to the 25-year-old who say the claims are “purely speculative”.

That is according to FOX Sports Australia, which reports that ‘sources’ close to Piastri insist he is not looking to leave McLaren or that he may get forced out for Verstappen. They also point out that Piastri and CEO Zak Brown have been adamant that his future is not unclear.

Piastri emphasised at Silverstone last weekend that he has received “multiple reassurances” from McLaren that they are “very happy” with him, as well as that he is “very happy” at the Woking team. The nine-time Grand Prix winner also noted that he has “a contract in place”.

CEO Brown, too, suggested ahead of the British Grand Prix that McLaren would need a third car to sign Verstappen, as he “couldn’t be happier” with Piastri and teammate Lando Norris. Also, Brown stressed that Piastri and Norris have proven they can beat Verstappen “straight up”, so the Australian and the Briton are “not going anywhere” even if the Dutchman is free.

Verstappen might be available, though, so Piastri’s future at McLaren will likely remain in the spotlight until the Dutchman confirms whether he intends to stay at Red Bull for 2027 or eye a move to a rival. McLaren are arguably now Verstappen’s only route to move to a top team.

Red Bull needed four-time F1 champion Verstappen to start the 2026 summer break at least in the top two of the drivers’ standings to void his release clause. But the 28-year-old is only seventh with two rounds until the summer break, and even trails second place by 78 points.

Piastri, similarly, is currently in a position that would bring his release clause into play, as the Australian is only sixth. However, McLaren teammate Norris in fifth place – the position tied to Piastri’s clause – is only 15 points better off, ahead of the rounds in Belgium and Hungary.