Oscar Piastri takes defiant stance over persistent Max Verstappen to McLaren rumours

Oscar Piastri has dismissed continued speculation linking Max Verstappen with a move to McLaren, insisting the rumours are "just noise" and saying he will "let the others have their fun and do their talking" while he focuses on his own performances.

The Australian has faced repeated questions over whether the four-time F1 drivers' champion could eventually take his seat at the Woking-based team, with paddock speculation intensifying amid Red Bull's struggles under the new regulations.

Verstappen, seventh in the drivers' championship on 76 points, has been openly critical of the RB22, describing it as "undriveable" on multiple occasions and expressing frustration with the energy-management style of racing required by the new rules.

The Dutchman is contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2028, but his deal is widely reported to include performance-related exit clauses tied to his championship position at mid-season.

Reports have suggested exploratory talks have taken place between Verstappen's management and McLaren. The confirmed move of his long-time race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase to the constructors' champions has also added to speculation that the 28-year-old could follow.

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has repeatedly played down the rumours, stating he has "no intention" of changing a driver line-up made up of defending drivers' champion Lando Norris and Piastri.

The latter's manager, Mark Webber, who raced for Red Bull during his F1 career, has also rejected the speculation, describing the swap stories as "fiction" and "nonsense" while stressing that his client is contracted to McLaren for the foreseeable future.

Piastri, who sits sixth in the standings with 82 points, said he is not allowing the rumours to affect his focus as he looks to help close the gap to Mercedes and Ferrari.

"For me, just trying to focus on my job is the main thing," the nine-time grand prix winner told the BBC's Chequered Flag Podcast.

"I know that I'm here for the next while, and I know the team are happy with me; I'm happy with the team, and the relationship is good.

"So for me, that's just noise, and not for me to deal with. I'm trying to stay focused on performing as best as I can.

"That's the biggest thing for me, and I'll let the others have their fun and do their talking."