Red Bull set sights on Piastri as possible successor to Max Verstappen

At this moment, there is no indication that Verstappen will leave after the current season for a sabbatical or a switch to another team. It cannot be ruled out altogether, however. A professional team like Red Bull must account for every scenario, so plans need to be made in advance for what to do if Verstappen does indeed seek his fortune elsewhere.

GPblog has reported several times that, in that case, Piastri is viewed as the most logical option. Motorsport.com now claims that Laurent Mekies and Oliver Mintzlaff would be standing by to try to lure Piastri away from McLaren if Verstappen indicates he wants to leave. Money would not be an issue in that case, GPblog concludes. Should Verstappen depart, tens of millions would be freed up to buy out Piastri’s contract at McLaren and to pay the Australian.

Although McLaren firmly denies it and points out that the relationship with Piastri is more than excellent, there have long been murmurs in the F1 paddock that manager Mark Webber is looking for a new employer for Piastri. At McLaren, Piastri is the second driver behind world champion Lando Norris, although the British team never says that out loud. Webber would like to see Piastri as the lead driver at a top team, which could be possible at Red Bull Racing if Verstappen leaves.

It’s not surprising that Red Bull is looking at Piastri. The Austrians recognize the Australian’s potential, who last season seemed for a long time to be on track for the world title. Piastri is not the finished product yet, and there is certainly room for growth in his performances. Moreover, there is currently no one on the F1 grid who fits Red Bull’s profile, perhaps with the exception of Andrea Kimi Antonelli. However, Mercedes would never let the Italian go.