Oscar Piastri becomes Red Bull’s target to prevent Max Verstappen’s unexpected departure from Formula 1
Red Bull began moving behind the scenes at Fórmula 1 to monitor the situation of Oscar Piastri, the current McLaren driver. The Austrian team’s interest comes at a time of administrative and technical transition after the confirmation of Helmut Marko’s departure for the end of 2025. The leadership of the team based in Milton Keynes is looking for high-level alternatives to protect its sporting structure in the face of possible movements in the driver market.
The young Australian’s name gained momentum in the paddock during the Grande Prêmio of Miami, held this past weekend. Embora and Red Bull maintain the public statement that Max Verstappen will fulfill its contract until 2027, the board prefers not to depend exclusively on its base of young talents. Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of the brand’s sports area, and Laurent Mekies, team leader, work on preventive planning to avoid technical leadership vacuums.
Mudança philosophy on talent management at Red Bull
The new internal configuration of Red Bull, less dependent on the strict standards established by Marko in recent decades, allows us to look outside the development program itself. Até then, the team prioritized almost exclusively athletes trained at its academy, like Isack Hadjar, who is currently seen as a promise, but still without guarantees to take a main seat immediately.
The focus on Piastri reveals a profound shift in management mindset. The team understands that the main pilot functions as the central axis of a project that involves more than 2,000 employees. Além’s results on the tracks, internal stability and marketing actions depend on a strong name. Therefore, looking for an already established competitor with solid results in the category has become a strategic priority for the next regulatory cycles.
- Oscar Piastri reached the podium in Suzuka and Miami in the current season.
- The driver occupies a prominent position at McLaren after technical updates.
- Mark Webber, manager of Piastri, has a successful track record at Red Bull.
- Helmut Marko’s departure in 2025 facilitates negotiations with external pilots.
- Isack Hadjar remains an internal option, but lacks experience at the top.
Papel of Mark Webber and Piastri’s career management
One factor fueling transfer speculation is the historical connection between Mark Webber and Red Bull. The former Australian driver, who now manages Piastri’s career alongside Ann Neal, has kept the doors open at the Milton Keynes factory since his retirement from the track. Observadores noted Webber’s absence from some race weekends this season, which could signal a more intense role in side negotiations.
Leia Também
Where to watch South Africa vs Canada live at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Saudi Aramco aircraft crash results in 14 deaths near oil terminal in Saudi Arabia
Portuguese newspaper criticizes Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance in Portugal’s draw; Diogo Costa is elected highlight
Oscar Piastri chose to take Pedro Matos, an engineer with whom he worked on Fórmula 2 by Prema, to accompany him directly on the circuits. Essa change aimed to simplify internal communication with McLaren and ensure full focus on the car’s performance. Enquanto, the pilot recovers his serenity and praises the competitiveness of the English team’s update package, Webber has the freedom to explore alternative scenarios for the future of his agent.
Estabilidade at McLaren and the challenge of a possible exit
Apesar of external interest, the relationship between Piastri and McLaren is experiencing its best moment. The driver managed to overcome a sequence of difficult races and expressed satisfaction with the car’s performance in the Flórida. Não There are currently signs of wear and tear or internal conflicts remaining from past seasons. The Woking team has invested heavily in infrastructure and the young Australian is a fundamental part of the long-term project of the team led by Zak Brown.
Entretanto, the weight of an offer from Red Bull tends to change the dynamics of the transfer market. Para to McLaren, holding Piastri means maintaining one of the most balanced pairings on the current grid. Para to Red Bull, counting on the Australian would represent the security of having a driver capable of delivering victories if Max Verstappen decides to take a career break or a sudden change of team. The current scenario shows that, although the contracts are in force, behind-the-scenes conversations are already projecting Fórmula 1 in 2027.
The technical development of the coming months will be decisive for both parties. If McLaren continues to deliver equipment capable of fighting for constant podiums, the permanence of Piastri becomes the most natural path. On the other hand, the restructuring of Red Bull offers a new political and financial horizon that few drivers on the grid would ignore, especially with the imminent departure of figures who previously blocked the entry of names from outside the Austrian academy.
