Red Bull Lines Up Oscar Piastri as Contingency for Potential Verstappen Exit

Overview

• Motorsport.com reports Red Bull has picked McLaren’s Oscar Piastri as its Plan B if Max Verstappen departs.
• Team boss Laurent Mekies and executive Oliver Mintzlaff are prepared to pursue him if the seat opens.
• The interest remains contingency planning with no clear sign Verstappen intends to leave.
• Piastri is tied to McLaren through 2027, though driver moves in F1 often proceed through negotiated exits.
• Manager Mark Webber is said to be sounding out options, including renewed contacts with Red Bull.