Red Bull are reportedly exploring a shock move for Oscar Piastri as uncertainty continues to grow around the long-term future of Max Verstappen. The reigning world champion remains contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2028, but speculation surrounding a possible early exit has intensified following the team’s disappointing start to the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Despite winning four consecutive world titles, Verstappen has struggled to challenge at the front this year due to Red Bull’s lack of pace compared to their rivals. After the opening rounds of the season, the Dutchman sits seventh in the championship standings with just 26 points and is yet to secure a podium finish. He is already 54 points behind championship leaders Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, leaving serious concerns about Red Bull’s competitiveness.
Reports suggest Verstappen’s contract contains a performance-related clause that could allow him to leave before 2028 if he is outside the top two in the drivers’ standings by the summer break. Given Red Bull’s current form, that scenario is becoming increasingly realistic, opening the door for rival teams to make a move for one of Formula 1’s biggest stars.
One of the teams most strongly linked with Verstappen is McLaren, which has emerged as one of the grid’s leading forces in recent seasons. However, Verstappen’s possible arrival at the Woking-based outfit could create a difficult situation for Piastri, despite the Australian already being tied down with a deal that runs until the end of 2027.
According to reports from Motorsport Italia, Red Bull have identified Piastri as a potential replacement should Verstappen decide to leave. The Australian driver is viewed internally as a strong “Plan B” option because of his impressive speed, maturity and growing experience in Formula 1, while still being only 25 years old by the start of the 2027 season.
Piastri’s connection to Red Bull also runs deeper than many realise. His manager, Mark Webber, raced for the team between 2007 and 2013 and remains highly familiar with the organisation’s inner workings. Although Webber has kept a relatively low profile around the paddock this year, speculation has emerged that discussions behind the scenes could already be taking place regarding a possible future move.
The timing is also notable because Red Bull are entering a new era following the departure of long-time advisor Helmut Marko at the end of 2025. For years, Marko oversaw a strict driver development system focused heavily on promoting talent from Red Bull’s junior programme. That approach produced multiple champions including Sebastian Vettel and Verstappen himself.
Under new team boss Laurent Mekies, Red Bull’s recruitment strategy is expected to become more flexible. While the team will continue investing in young talent, there appears to be a greater willingness to look outside its own academy for proven performers. Piastri fits that profile perfectly, combining youth with race-winning ability and experience at the front of the grid.
There is still uncertainty over exactly how Red Bull view Piastri within their long-term plans. Some reports suggest he could become part of a blockbuster driver swap involving Verstappen and McLaren, while others believe he may simply be considered as an alternative option if Red Bull decide to make changes elsewhere in their line-up, potentially impacting rising star Isack Hadjar.
For now, no formal negotiations have been confirmed, but Red Bull’s interest in Piastri highlights just how uncertain the driver market could become over the next two seasons. If Verstappen’s future remains unresolved and McLaren continue their rise toward the front, Formula 1 could soon witness one of the biggest driver-transfer battles in recent years.
