Max Verstappen has finally extended with Red Bull until 2030, but McLaren was among his potential destinations. A threat that never really worried Oscar Piastri.
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Max Verstappen’s extension with Red Bull until the end of the 2030 season has definitely put an end to the many speculations about his future. For several months, Mercedes was presented as his most likely destination in case of departure, before McLaren also entered the equation.
The arrival of the four-time world champion in Woking would necessarily have raised a delicate question: which of Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri would have to give up his seat?
Piastri was among the drivers whose future could potentially have been threatened by such a transfer. Yet, the Australian now assures that he never really gave much importance to this possibility.
Piastri never feared Verstappen
Asked about the discussions surrounding a possible arrival of Verstappen at McLaren, Piastri appeared particularly detached.
“I was never really worried about it,” he explained. “From where I am, it didn’t really have much to do with me.”
A similar position to that adopted by George Russell. The Briton was also presented as the driver likely to lose his seat if Verstappen had chosen to join Mercedes.
The situation is now much clearer. Verstappen has chosen to continue the adventure with Red Bull, a team with which he could achieve exceptional longevity since he will remain there, if his contract is honored until its end, until the end of 2030.
Piastri ready to spend 15 years at McLaren?
This loyalty of Verstappen to Red Bull has precisely led Piastri to be questioned about his own future. Could he imagine spending another ten or fifteen years at McLaren?
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The Australian does not want to project himself that far.
“Fifteen? I’m not sure. That’s very long,” he replied with a smile.
However, he does not hide his attachment to the British team, which has allowed him to quickly experience success since his arrival in Formula 1.
“I think we have had three good first years together, or three and a half years. Obviously, we have encountered some difficulties at times, but when I look at my career and the position I have been able to find myself in, I have won two constructors’ championships, I have fought for a drivers’ championship and I have won races and Sprints during my first three years.”
“McLaren has already given me incredible opportunities”
Piastri thus believes he owes much of his rise to McLaren. Since his debut with the team, the Australian has established himself as one of the reference drivers on the grid and now counts nine Grand Prix wins.
“McLaren has already given me incredible opportunities,” he continues.
Despite some more complicated periods, notably against Norris, Piastri assures that his relationship with the team remains excellent.
“I am very happy where I am and, in the end, they have done a lot for me. We have an excellent relationship.”
So currently, there is no question for him to consider leaving.
“You always want to be in the best possible place to succeed and, for the moment, I really feel that McLaren is the best place for that.”
After having been cited as a possible destination for Verstappen, McLaren can therefore count on a Piastri fully committed to its project. The Australian simply refuses, at 25 years old, to promise that this story will last another fifteen seasons.