Piastri as Verstappen's successor at Red Bull? The Australian responds!

Oscar Piastri never had any intention of switching to another Formula 1 team. According to the Australian, he only wanted to sign a new contract with McLaren, as he informs The Times.

Christian Horner was said to have had Oscar Piastri in mind as a possible successor to Max Verstappen, if the Dutchman ever decided to leave Red Bull Racing. But with Piastri tied to McLaren for many years, that possibility has disappeared.

How realistic would it have been to potentially bring in Piastri? Not really, as is clear from the words of the Chinese Grand Prix winner. Before signing an improved contract with McLaren, he never actually contemplated leaving.

"For me, other teams were never even really a consideration. McLaren, firstly from a car perspective, but also just a team environment perspective, is where I want to be. A lot of people would want to be here. I’m confident I can win with this team."

For now, McLaren works shows no preference to either driver. Ultimately, Piastri wants to be the leader of the team. That will happen, he believes. "If I wasn’t confident in that, then maybe I wouldn’t have signed this long contract", concludes the Australian.