Helmut Marko has sought to explain comments he made that suggested Oscar Piastri's manager, Mark Webber, is trying to engage in discussions over a future move to Red Bull.
Ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend, Marko, an advisor at the Milton Keynes-based team, claimed the Australian is "intensely" pursuing conversations with Red Bull about his compatriot.
This was promptly quashed by Piastri himself, who quipped back at the 81-year-old, saying: "Definitely not... it wouldn't be a week in F1 without some comments from Helmut.”
Whilst Marko's comments may not be completely in step with the truth, at least according to the McLaren driver, they have gained traction, as they play into an already-present rumour within the paddock.
With the Woking-based team now prioritising Lando Norris for the remainder of the 2024 campaign, as he continues his long-shot title fight with Max Verstappen, speculation that neither Piastri - nor his manager - will tolerate number two status has emerged.
Webber was famously unhappy playing a supporting role to Sebastian Vettel at Red Bull when the German was winning consecutive drivers' titles in the early 2010s, something that provides added depth and intrigue to the rumours.
Plus, there is undoubtedly a benefit to Red Bull, as reports of this nature could unsettle the constructors' championship-leading McLaren, which could be what Marko is seeking to capitalise upon.
Despite that, the Austrian has tried to quell his initial remarks, explaining he has many discussions with Webber.
"It was a conversation with Mark Webber," he told Sky Sports Germany. "And yes, that happens quite often.
"He drove for us for a very long time, was very successful and then people start making things up again.
"As far as I know, he [Oscar Piastri] still has two years left on his contract [at McLaren]."
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