Red Bull is already considering an alternative plan for its future in Formula 1. Oscar Piastri is now being closely watched in case Max Verstappen leaves after 2026.
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As the 2026 season has just begun, the first rumors about the driver market are already stirring the paddock. And once again, Max Verstappen’s future is at the center of discussions.
The four-time world champion has never hidden his reservations about the new technical regulations introduced this year. Even though the latest developments brought by Red Bull in Miami showed encouraging signs, uncertainty about the Dutchman’s future continues to fuel speculation.
According to Motorsport.com Italy, Red Bull is now working on a backup solution in case of a surprise departure of Verstappen in the coming seasons.
Oscar Piastri in Red Bull’s sights
The name that keeps coming up is Oscar Piastri. The McLaren driver has been impressing for several months with his speed, consistency, and ability to compete with the best on the grid despite his young age.
The Milton Keynes team is therefore closely monitoring his contractual situation with a view to a possible recruitment for 2027. However, this operation promises to be extremely complex.
Piastri is currently contracted with McLaren until the end of the 2027 season. But in Formula 1, contracts are not always absolute guarantees, especially when a driver wants to explore a new sporting opportunity.
Behind the scenes, his manager Mark Webber is already monitoring various possible options for the future. The former Red Bull driver is playing an active role in the strategic discussions around the Australian’s career.
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A change of philosophy at Red Bull?
This interest in Piastri could also reflect an evolution in Red Bull’s recruitment strategy. Historically, Helmut Marko favored talents from the team’s junior program, with a policy focused on internal promotion.
But the arrival of Laurent Mekies at the head of the team seems to be gradually changing this approach. The Frenchman would be in favor of a more open view of the driver market, no longer excluding recruiting stars already established elsewhere on the grid.
In this logic, a profile like Piastri’s would represent an ideal target to prepare for the future.
Verstappen remains the absolute priority
For now, no concrete element suggests that Max Verstappen will leave Red Bull in the short term. The progress seen in Miami could even strengthen the Dutch driver’s confidence in his team.
Despite this, Red Bull seems determined to anticipate all possible scenarios. The Austrian team does not want to be caught off guard if the situation were to evolve suddenly in the coming months.
Oscar Piastri now appears as a credible option in this strategic reflection, even if other profiles are also being studied internally to prepare the team’s future.
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