McLaren’s Piastri dismisses Red Bull link

MEXICO CITY – Oscar Piastri has dismissed a report that his manager Mark Webber is pursuing a move to Red Bull.

After the U.S. Grand Prix, Red Bull racing advisor Helmut Marko suggested the McLaren driver is exploring other options.

“Let’s put it this way: Mark Webber is intensively seeking conversation,” Marko told F1-Insider.

Australia’s Webber drove for Red Bull between 2009 and 2013.

Midway through his rookie campaign last year, Piastri extended his McLaren deal through to the end of 2026.

The Australian driver said there was nothing to Marko’s claim.

“Definitely not,” Piastri said about Marko’s claim. “I’m very happy where I am. I’m under contract for the next two years after this and I’m certainly not looking to go elsewhere.

“It wouldn’t be a week in F1 without some comments from Helmut.”

When asked if he was surprised Marko would say that, he said: “Not massively. It’s a nice compliment I would say. But again, very happy with where I am. They have quite a big pool of drivers they can choose from if they want.”

Red Bull has Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez under contract for next season, although the future of both drivers has been under scrutiny.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is known to have a lingering interest in signing Verstappen down the line, while Red Bull appear unconvinced whether Perez has a long-term future with the team.

Liam Lawson, who replaced Daniel Ricciardo at RB for the last race, is believed to be in with a shot of replacing the Mexican driver next season.