Speculation intensifies as Oscar Piastri is linked to Red Bull, fueling questions about McLaren’s next move in F1’s shifting landscape.
A captivating rumor about Oscar Piastri is circulating in the Formula 1 world just ahead of the sport’s return this weekend in Austin.
Dr. Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s consultant, recently hinted that Liam Lawson had been placed alongside Yuki Tsunoda for the remainder of the season in the RB junior team as a potential replacement for either Daniel Ricciardo or Sergio Perez in 2025, depending on his performance. Christian Horner also acknowledged that Red Bull Racing can no longer tolerate such a significant gap between Verstappen and his teammate.
Lawson will be on the defensive this weekend as he faces a grid penalty for a new engine.
“But there are still five races after that, then we will see and evaluate how things go,” Marko stated.
“We know Checo has fluctuations in form and struggles more when the car undergoes constant technical changes. We’ll see if these developments help him or not.”
This weekend, Red Bull Racing’s 2024 car will receive a major upgrade, including a new floor, and Marko commented, “The upcoming circuits are clearly better suited (to Perez), and we hope he stabilizes.”
But could another driver also be in the running to potentially replace the Mexican?
It wouldn’t be impossible for Oscar Piastri to move to Red Bull next year to replace Sergio Perez.
Indeed, Marko has openly discussed that “all top drivers” now have exit clauses in their contracts – and Piastri is managed by Mark Webber, who remains close to the Red Bull family. Has the former F1 driver been approached by Marko for a transfer?
This week, Marko questioned the “mental” strength of Piastri’s teammate, Lando Norris, who is Max Verstappen’s closest rival for the 2024 title.
Yet, it’s the young Australian who will now play the role of second driver for the remainder of the championship fight.
“He might well say, ‘Thanks for all your help getting me to F1, but now I’ll focus on myself.’”
Marko acknowledges that Piastri’s supporting role to Norris is a disadvantage for Red Bull and Verstappen. “Unfortunately, that’s true.”
“He can take a lot of points from Max, while less is expected of Checo. And I’m not sure Piastri is very happy with his role as second driver and simply willing to accept it.”
It’s doubtful McLaren would let Piastri go to Red Bull without at least a massive financial compensation. But in F1, there’s rarely smoke without fire…
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Could Piastri Swap McLaren for Red Bull in 2025? Could Piastri Swap McLaren for Red Bull in 2025?
