Red Bull Nears Oscar Piastri as Max Verstappen Replacement

Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner has identified McLaren's Oscar Piastri as a potential replacement for Max Verstappen should the four-time Formula 1 World Champion decide to leave the team. Despite rumors linking Verstappen with a move to Mercedes and speculation about his future, Verstappen has ruled out taking a sabbatical from F1, expressing his intention to continue racing while exploring other motorsport opportunities. Verstappen holds a contract with Red Bull until 2028 and has stated his desire to finish his career with the team, though his contract allows an exit if he is not in the top four of the Drivers' Championship by August. Meanwhile, Piastri leads the current championship by a significant margin and remains cautious, refusing to rule Verstappen out of the title fight. In addition, changes in FIA leadership could influence how Verstappen is treated regarding penalties for on-track conduct, potentially easing previous disciplinary actions related to his use of offensive language during races. Red Bull continues to focus on developing talent within its pool while keeping options open for both current and future drivers.