Oscar Piastri's future could potentially involve Red Bull, as speculation grows about Red Bull Racing's 2025 driver lineup.
Although rumors suggesting that Sergio Perez might announce his retirement from Formula 1 appear unfounded, his position alongside Max Verstappen remains uncertain. The Mexican driver himself admitted at his home grand prix in Mexico that 2024 has been a "terrible season" for him.
However, he also pushed back against claims that his form took another dip during the recent race in Austin.
Team boss Christian Horner stated that both Perez and Verstappen had the latest car upgrades in Austin. Yet, Perez insisted that his floor was not the same spec as his teammate's. "Well, I think the numbers and the facts will remain internal with the team, but we know what was the delta," Perez said, leaving questions about the true performance difference unanswered.
Currently, it appears that Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, both from Red Bull's second team RB, are in a direct competition to replace Perez. However, a wildcard has entered the picture – McLaren's young Australian driver, Oscar Piastri.
Despite Piastri being contracted at McLaren through 2026, rumors have emerged regarding his future at Red Bull. While the two teams have been involved in a public battle of psychological and technical exchanges, Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko disclosed that he has been in touch with Piastri's manager, Mark Webber, who is a former Red Bull driver himself.
"Let's put it this way: Mark Webber is looking for an intensive dialogue," Marko said, hinting at potential discussions involving Piastri.
Marko recently suggested that Piastri might not be satisfied with his newly assumed 'number 2' role at McLaren, which may now see him play a supporting position to teammate Lando Norris during the title battle. When questioned about Marko's comments during the Mexican GP, Piastri quickly dismissed the notion.
"I think we all know that Helmut says a lot of things in the press," Piastri said. "As far as I'm aware, there's no truth to it. I am very, very happy where I am. I'm definitely not leaving and I have another two years of contract.
"Let's say that Helmut's words can be taken as a compliment, but again, I am happy with everything at McLaren."
However, former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher believes there may be some substance to the rumors of Piastri joining Red Bull. "If I were Red Bull, I would also try to get Piastri," Schumacher told Auto Bild. "He is not only a super talent but also extremely tough. He will get even better in the future and the small disadvantages he still has compared to Norris will soon be gone."
Schumacher also noted Red Bull's long-term planning concerns, particularly with the uncertainty surrounding Verstappen's future in the team. "Also, Red Bull cannot rely on Verstappen still being in the team in 2026. They have to be prepared for that. Piastri would be the ideal replacement. I am therefore very excited to see how McLaren will approach the Piastri issue in the future," Schumacher added.
