‘Red Bull Could Be Behind It’ – Piastri’s Shock McLaren Exit Rumour Seen as Possible F1 Mind Game
Speculation is mounting in the Formula 1 paddock after rumours emerged suggesting that Oscar Piastri might be considering an exit from McLaren — a move that some insiders now believe could be part of a larger ploy orchestrated by Red Bull to destabilise their rivals.
The young Australian driver, who has impressed in his second season with McLaren, is reportedly unsettled by what some perceive as the team’s recent decisions favouring his teammate and title contender, Lando Norris. While there’s no concrete evidence of tension within the team, several observers have hinted that McLaren’s strategies at key races have occasionally appeared to benefit Norris at Piastri’s expense.
This narrative gained momentum after reports linked Piastri with a potential move to Ferrari, a team that could be seeking fresh talent to bolster its championship ambitions. However, former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has now weighed in, suggesting that the entire situation might not be what it seems.
Montoya Hints at Red Bull “Mind Games”
Speaking to media outlets, Montoya proposed that Red Bull — known for their psychological tactics and competitive edge — might be behind the rumour. According to him, this could be a clever ploy to unsettle McLaren’s internal harmony and create media distraction at a crucial point in the season.
“The big question there is whether it’s just people stirring the pot and making stories up,” Montoya said. “At the end of the day, it’s a great way to cause confusion and problems for McLaren. It’s similar to what Toto [Wolff] did with Max [Verstappen]. Did he really think he could get Max? Who knows. But it made headlines and got people talking.”
Montoya added that Red Bull could be leveraging this situation to their advantage, using it as a psychological tactic to throw McLaren off balance. “The story about Piastri and Ferrari could be coming from Red Bull, for example. Somebody at Red Bull could easily say, ‘This would be a great leak — let’s stir things up a bit and destabilise McLaren,’” he explained.
While Montoya admitted there’s no proof that Red Bull is directly involved, he noted that such manoeuvres are not uncommon in Formula 1, where off-track politics often play as crucial a role as on-track performance.
A “Win-Win” Situation for Piastri
Interestingly, Montoya also pointed out that the rumour could inadvertently benefit Piastri, regardless of its origin. If McLaren perceives that other top teams, such as Ferrari, are interested in signing him, it could prompt the team to show greater commitment to the young driver and ensure he feels valued.
“But at the same time, if you think Oscar is really good and know other teams want him, then this is a great way of saying, on behalf of Oscar, to McLaren: ‘If you want me to stay, you’ve got to respect me,’” Montoya said.
This perspective suggests that, whether or not Red Bull is behind the speculation, the rumour serves as a reminder of Piastri’s growing status in Formula 1. His performances this season have established him as one of the grid’s most promising talents — and a potential future world champion.
Steiner’s Advice: Stay Put at McLaren
Adding his voice to the ongoing discussion, former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has publicly advised Piastri against leaving McLaren. Steiner, known for his blunt and pragmatic approach, argued that the 23-year-old is in one of the best possible environments to develop his career.
“McLaren is a team on the rise,” Steiner reportedly said. “They’ve built a strong car, they’re fighting at the front, and Oscar has proven he can compete with the best. Leaving now would be risky — especially for a team that’s showing real championship potential.”
Steiner’s comments reflect a wider belief among F1 analysts that McLaren’s recent progress under team principal Andrea Stella has been one of the sport’s most impressive success stories. The British outfit has closed the gap to Red Bull, often challenging them for race wins and podiums throughout the 2025 season.
Piastri’s performances — including multiple podium finishes and consistent top-five results — have reinforced McLaren’s return to form. While Norris currently leads the championship standings, Piastri’s contributions have been equally vital in keeping McLaren in the constructors’ title fight.
The Bigger Picture
Whether the rumour of Piastri’s Ferrari switch originated within Red Bull or simply from the rumour mill, it has already achieved one undeniable effect: sparking widespread discussion about McLaren’s internal dynamics and the political games that continue to shape Formula 1.
Montoya’s suggestion of Red Bull’s involvement fits into a long tradition of psychological warfare within the sport. Teams often plant stories or leak information to manipulate rival teams’ focus, morale, or contract negotiations. And in a season as competitive as this one, any distraction could make a significant difference in the championship battle.
For now, Piastri remains firmly committed to McLaren, at least publicly. But with F1’s rumour mill spinning faster than ever and rival teams constantly looking for an edge, it’s clear that the off-track battles are just as fierce as those on the circuit.
If the alleged Red Bull ploy truly exists, it’s a masterclass in Formula 1 mind games — one that highlights just how complex and strategic the sport can be, even away from the roar of the engines.
