McLaren Formula 1 Team Principal Andrea Stella has denied claims that Oscar Piastri could depart the team in the near future.
Despite having what is considered one of the strongest lineups on the grid, rumours are persisting that Piastri could depart McLaren.
While locked into a contract until the end of 2028, Piastri has been linked with a move to Red Bull as a potential replacement for Max Verstappen should the Dutchman leave.
But Stella has emphatically denied claims that the Australian is set to leave the McLaren, citing the stability in the team since 2023.
“You mentioned the silly season, and I think we are already fully in this silly season,” Stella said to media, including Motorsport Week.
“When we think about Oscar, we couldn’t be happier. I think we are seeing the best Oscar in the cockpit and also a happy Oscar, and the best version of himself outside the cockpit.
“Great dynamics and relationship with Lando, and I think the team is in its strongest shape since I’ve been team principal.
“So definitely it’s very clear, the direction for maximum stability at McLaren.”
Stella commits to McLaren
Stella himself also took the opportunity to commit to McLaren as speculation over a potential return to Ferrari grows.
“When it comes to myself, I’m definitely fully committed to McLaren,” he said.
“One of the things that makes me more proud of my experience as a team principal is that we managed to fill the cabinet at MTC with trophies, and this meant that we needed to create another area of the cabinet, a new one.
“And for me the mission is very clear: we need to fill that new area of the cabinet for the years to come at McLaren.”
McLaren is now in a similar position to Red Bull a few years ago – it has created a dream team that has won titles.
But that level of success acts as a double-edged sword, as rivals will seek to take your top talent away, a challenge that McLaren will likely have to face.
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