Red Bull boss responds to Max Verstappen and McLaren swap deal rumours ahead of Austrian Grand Prix

Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies has moved to shut down speculation linking Max Verstappen with a sensational move to McLaren.The Dutchman’s future has become one of the biggest talking points of the Austrian Grand Prix weekend after reports claimed he could be involved in a blockbuster swap deal with Oscar Piastri as early as next season.Verstappen has endured a frustrating start to the 2026 campaign, with Red Bull struggling to compete at the front of the grid.The four-time world champion is already 101 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli after just seven grands prix, with the RB22 unable to match the pace of Formula One’s leading contenders. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Red Bull have brought a major upgrade package to their home race in Austria as they attempt to reduce the excess weight on their car and close the gap to the frontrunners.But while speculation over Verstappen’s future continues to swirl, Mekies insists the 28-year-old has already made his position clear internally.The Red Bull chief said the team are not repeatedly asking Verstappen whether he intends to remain with them.“I think the last time I was in this press conference, I said that I’m not asking Max every week if he’s going to stay,” Mekies said.“Max has made clear to us that he wants to continue with the team.“It’s equally clear that he needs a fast car for him to be happy with the team.”LATEST SPORTS NEWS:England star reveals 'clear the air talks' with Thomas Tuchel before Panama World Cup matchKylian Mbappe involved in bizarre Michael Oliver moment during France World Cup win over NorwayIran captain launches astonishing attack on Fifa as World Cup branded 'a disaster'Mekies admitted Verstappen has been vocal about the improvements he wants to see, particularly around the technical regulations for future seasons.“You may recall also that he has been vocal about the progress that we needed to have on the regulations,” he added.“We are in a fortunate situation for the sport where there have been very open sessions between FIA, F1 and the teams, and we have managed to tweak these regulations for 2027 and 2028.“And I think it’s great not only for Max, but it’s great for the fast drivers, and it’s great for the sport.”Mekies stressed that Verstappen remains fully engaged with Red Bull’s attempts to recover their competitive edge.The reigning champions have been working through extensive test programmes in Austria as they look for answers after a difficult opening phase of the season.“As I said a few weeks ago, we are not asking Max every week,” Mekies continued.“He’s pushing with us, he’s helping us to find the right development path for the car, again doing very large test scans through the sessions to try to turn all the stones as possible.“So, it’s not a topic for us.“The topic for us is to get the car back to where we want it to be.“And, as you may, I hope, agree, if the car is back where we want it to be, there will be no discussion.”Verstappen has won the Austrian GP four times throughout his career. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter