Red Bull now ‘looking at’ 24-race driver if Max Verstappen signs for Mercedes

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Red Bull Racing will be hoping they’re not looking for a replacement for Max Verstappen, but if they are, Oscar Piastri might just be in the conversation.

Max Verstappen has been touted as the ‘hottest candidate’ to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, while Aston Martin would do ‘whatever it takes’ to hire him.

Speaking on the Inside The Piranha Club Podcast, journalist Rebecca Clancy admitted that there’s talk that Red Bull are taking a closer look at the young Australian.

Red Bull looking at Piastri in case of Verstappen’s exit

The idea of Max Verstappen leaving the greatest car in Formula 1 history seems incredibly unlikely.

He’s already on course to win his fourth world title and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he added number five to his collection if he’s still with Red Bull in 2025.

However, the turbulence behind the scenes within the Austrian team have suddenly thrown his future into a small amount of doubt.

His current contract expires in 2028, but it’s believed there’s a clause that means if Helmut Marko departs, he could go too.

It meant that in the improbable scenario Verstappen leaves, Christian Horner will have to find a replacement.

It’s believed that Red Bull are looking at McLaren’s Oscar Piastri despite the fact he’s already signed a long-term deal with the British team.

He’s the most exciting talent of his generation and had one of the best debut seasons in recent Formula 1 history.

Piastri has been backed to earn his first podium of the season at his home race at the weekend and it would only add to his growing reputation.

Red Bull having to consider inconceivable Verstappen exit

Speaking about the situation at Red Bull, Clancy said: “Just on [Oscar] Piastri, if [Max] Verstappen did go to Mercedes, there is quite a lot of chatter about Red Bull now looking at Piastri.

“They have always courted Lando Norris which is why he’s now on an extortionate contract with McLaren and keeps landing new ones because Red Bull keep trying to poach him.

“But apparently Red Bull are now looking at Piastri.”

Journalist Ben Hunt added: “Piastri, who is managed by Mark Webber, a former Red Bull driver. I think that would be an interesting move.

“He’s certainly got the talent, he’s been very impressive, awesome racecraft gets his head down, doesn’t cause any problems, the ideal driver really.”

While Red Bull might be looking at Piastri, it’s hard to see McLaren letting him go unless they pay a huge fee.

The 22-year-old – who believes he’s more like Alain Prost than Ayrton Senna – is a very different type of driver to Max Verstappen.

His race pace isn’t at the same level but when it comes to wheel-to-wheel action, Verstappen is much more aggressive.

Ultimately, Red Bull would like to keep Verstappen and McLaren would like to keep Piastri, but as Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has shown, anything can happen in the Formula 1 driver’s market.