P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Red Bull are said to have lined up Oscar Piastri as a replacement for F1 champion Max Verstappen should he decide to leave the team.
According to reports, Red Bull is not treating the possibility of Max Verstappen leaving the team as just another rumor, but is taking it ‘very seriously’. Verstappen’s potential departure from Red Bull gained traction with the introduction of new regulations, as he criticized the new machinery, leading to speculations about his Formula 1 future. Despite a slight performance improvement in Miami, Red Bull faces the looming threat of Mercedes, who plan to introduce upgrades at the Canadian Grand Prix and potentially regain their advantage in Montreal.
McLaren emerged as a strong competitor to Mercedes after a solid showing in Miami, where Lando Norris outperformed the competition. Both Mercedes and McLaren are considered contenders to secure Verstappen’s signature, with reports indicating talks between McLaren and Verstappen’s camp. Recent speculation suggests that Red Bull is seriously considering the possibility of Verstappen leaving, with discussions of targeting Oscar Piastri as a replacement option.
Will Buxton discussed the rumors on the Up to Speed podcast, indicating Red Bull’s interest in Piastri if Verstappen decides to depart. The team’s top officials seem poised to proceed with the Piastri plan in case Verstappen chooses to leave, whether to join another team or exit F1 altogether. AutoSport’s report highlights Red Bull’s readiness to act if Verstappen’s exit becomes a reality.
