- Red Bull Racing set its sights on Piastri to replace Verstappen if he exits?
- Piastri’s McLaren contract lasts until the 2027 season.
- If Piastri moves, he could be replaced by Russell or Verstappen at McLaren.
Oscar Piastri is reportedly being considered as an option to replace Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing in case the latter decides to make a dramatic decision, either to retire or switch teams. While Verstappen haven’t yet hinted at a potential team switch, he has frequently ranted about retirement. This is because he’s unimpressed by the new rules and regulations.
The season start had been disastrous for the four-time World Champion as he ran into multiple issues with the car and came out of it with a massive frustration on his face. After the break, things have gotten slightly better for the team, as they brought in new upgrades, whose results were clearly visible on the track. In the Sprint, he secured 5th position, whereas for the Miami GP qualifying, he made a front-row appearance alongside Kimi Antonelli.
However, he lost the rear and spun heading into Turn 2, which led to a drop in positions. His position worsened further after he pitted under the safety car. Across several laps, he was only able to recover to fifth, which still stands as his best result of the season so far.
Piastri to Red Bull Racing in plans, claims insiders
According to Motorsport IT report, Red Bull Racing is eyeing Piastri if Verstappen makes a serious decision about his future in light of his dislike towards new regulations. It claims that team principal Laurent Mekies and Red Bull’s head of motorsport, Oliver Mintzlaff, are perceiving Piastri as “Plan B” that will be deployed when the Dutchman refuses to stay. Insiders say that this news has been confirmed many times in the Miami Grand Prix paddock.
Verstappen’s Red Bull contract runs through 2028, but it also includes a performance clause, which clearly states that he can consider other teams for a switch if he doesn’t end up in the Top 2 by summer break. However, fans have also continued to remain doubtful on whether Verstappen even want to stay in the sport, given his latest retirement talks. In both scenarios, Piastri, who has a contract with McLaren until 2027, is seen as an ideal replacement for Verstappen. Despite the ongoing retirement talks, Verstappen is unlikely to retire as he continues to aim for his 5th title.
If Piastri agrees to join the team in case of Verstappen’s exit, then he might have to negotiate and talk it through with his current team to mutually make arrangements for his exit. Setting sights on Piastri makes sense for Red Bull, given that they would need an experienced driver to deliver immediate results. Yes, Isack Hadjar is there, but he’s currently their long-term investment, and it’s just his second year in F1.
How Piastri’s move to Red Bull could impact other teams
If Piastri moves to Red Bull from McLaren, a seat remains empty alongside Lando Norris, which could potentially be filled by either Max Verstappen or George Russell. This can happen only if Verstappen doesn’t retire and plans to switch to another team, which seems unlikely at the moment, but still, hypothetically.
Verstappen then has two options: Mercedes and McLaren, with the latter holding more of an edge given they have hired his engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, for 2028 and also have senior management figures from Red Bull, which could make for an attractive offer and an opportunity to work with familiar faces yet again. Mercedes’ dominant cars bait could be put in front of Verstappen for consideration, too. Now, the ball is in Verstappen’s court; if he decides something significant, it could definitely impact other top teams’ line-up. And if the plan is to switch teams, then no one would like to lose out on him!
