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Rumours that Oscar Piastri could leave McLaren reignited at the Austrian Grand Prix amid links to Red Bull, but now another F1 rival has entered the conversation.
Reports in the paddock at Spielberg fuelled rumours that Max Verstappen could head to McLaren in 2027 if he activates his performance clause at Red Bull. Piastri would replace him in a swap deal, having been linked with the Milton Keynes outfit for some time.
While Verstappen seems likely to stay at Red Bull and McLaren say they are happy with their current line-up, neither side has completely ruled out a swap. Piastri is likely to leave McLaren, and Mark Webber has been snooping around the paddock for a potential move.
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Mark Webber is in talks with Audi over a potential deal for Oscar Piastri
Tensions have been apparent between Piastri’s camp and McLaren since the ‘papaya rules’ saga in 2025. Webber’s relationship with McLaren is strained, allegedly to the point where he is no longer allowed in their hospitality.
The Aussie, who is part of Piastri’s management but is now more on the commercial side in 2026, has strong connections with Red Bull. But according to journalist Ralf Bach, he is also looking at Audi.
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Speaking via F1-Insider, Bach said Webber is ‘running about like a headless chicken’ in the paddock to facilitate a McLaren exit for Piastri. Audi could be his destination, as Nico Hulkenberg faces pressure to keep his seat.
“Above all, the danger isn’t just coming from that side,” he said. “There really is a manager of Mark Webber, Oscar Piastri’s manager, who’s running about like a headless chicken because he can see his prospects at McLaren slipping away, as far as Piastri is concerned.
“That’s just going on behind the scenes. And he’s got contacts at Red Bull too and knows his way round the business. So things are getting tight at McLaren and I’ve heard that Mark Weber is, of course, also in talks with Audi.
“Because, naturally, there’s a lot of money involved, but it’s also a manufacturer where, as a young driver, you can take a chance and build something up. So I think it could be very dangerous not only for Hulkenberg but for Piastri as well.”
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Webber is cautious about the Piastri rumours as he is worried his statements are ‘blown out of proportion’. But it is becoming clear that the Australian and his camp are assessing their options.
Piastri is now a point ahead of Lando Norris after finishing fourth at the Austrian Grand Prix. But with McLaren being nowhere near competitive enough for race wins and the tense relationship, Audi could be an exciting new project.
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