Oscar Piastri has executed the kind of pitch-perfect non-answer driver markets are made of, telling reporters in Canada that reports of Red Bull having him on a Verstappen-replacement shortlist were flattering, but flatly stating no discussions have actually taken place.
The reports first surfaced in mid-May, claiming Red Bull's senior leadership had drawn up a plan B in case Verstappen activated his performance exit clause and walked at the end of 2026. Piastri sat at the top of that contingency list, ahead of Racing Bulls' in-house options and several established names elsewhere on the grid. The story was given further life by Verstappen's own commentary on the 2026 regulations, which he has called "anti-racing," and by Sky Italy's May 25 report that talks between camp Verstappen and Mercedes had intensified at the Canadian Grand Prix.
Asked about all of it in the Montreal media pen, the Australian declined to take the bait in either direction.
"There's obviously not been any discussions or anything, but it's flattering and there's not really much more than that," Piastri said.
The flattery is, at minimum, deserved. Piastri's stock has climbed steadily through 2025 and into 2026, with race wins, consistent tyre management and Sunday pace that has drawn private compliments from rival principals. McLaren currently sit second in the constructors' standings, with Piastri partnered alongside Lando Norris in a car that has been one of the two clearly competitive packages of the season alongside Mercedes.
Red Bull's interest may already be receding. The 2027 power unit adjustments - moving the energy split closer to 60-40 in favour of combustion - are expected to soften Verstappen's complaints about the 2026 regulation cars and reduce the probability he walks. If Verstappen stays, Red Bull's plan B sits on the shelf.
But Piastri's choice of words is worth a closer read. The Australian did not rule out future conversations. He did not commit himself to a specific McLaren extension. He framed the chatter as flattering - a phrasing that acknowledges his market value without burning any bridges to potential future employers.
For McLaren team principal Andrea Stella, the takeaway is the same as the takeaway has been for the past eighteen months: the team's second seat houses a driver whose market value is rising at the same pace as his weekend results. Norris's contract was extended late last year. The next obvious move is to lock Piastri in on similar terms before the chatter hardens into anything more substantial.
The Australian's public line for now is settled. He is in the right car, he is winning races, and the rumour is a reflection of his stock. The next time the question gets asked, the answer is what matters.
