Christian Horner has identified Oscar Piastri as Red Bull Racing’s first choice to replace Max Verstappen if the Dutch driver departs, although he remains confident Verstappen will remain with the team. Speculation about Verstappen’s future surged after reports from Italy suggested a potential move to Mercedes, but all parties appear to doubt such a transfer will happen. Verstappen continues to lead the current Championship and remains Red Bull’s top priority to retain.
Addressing these rumors directly, Horner emphasized that Verstappen has no plans to leave Red Bull, highlighting the strong relationship between the driver and the team.
“Look, there’s obviously an awful lot of people talking about it, but what’s most important is the relationship between the driver and the team,”
Horner said.
“There’s an agreement that defines that as well and everybody’s very clear on where we’re at.”
Horner noted that Verstappen has been with Red Bull since the beginning of his professional career, achieving all his major successes with them.
“He’s a big part of our team and he has a great deal of faith in the team and the people around him,”
Horner added.
Though creating speculation, Horner expressed confidence in the current situation:
“So, whilst there’s always going to be speculation and noise, I think we all sit fairly comfortable with where we’re at and what the situation is. We can’t control the narrative of others but internally, we know where we’re at.”
Potential Plans If Verstappen Were to Depart
When questioned about the possibility of Verstappen leaving Red Bull, Horner, joined by McLaren CEO Zak Brown, mentioned Oscar Piastri as a top target for their team. “Oscar Piastri,” Horner said, acknowledging the subjectivity involved but underscoring their focus on current drivers and relationships.
Verstappen is contracted with Red Bull until 2028 and has expressed a desire to conclude his career driving for the team.
“I think that’s quite special and unique for him. That’s what we’re focused on. We’re just ignoring the noise and focusing on the areas we know where we need to improve and how to do that,”
Horner explained.
Regarding the possibility of acquiring a McLaren driver if their two teammates were to clash while fighting for the title, Horner emphasized respect for existing contracts.
“I think we’ve always taken a position of respecting the contracts that drivers have with their existing teams,”
he stated.
Maintaining Team Stability Amid Championship Rivalries
Horner acknowledged the competitive dynamics involved when teammates vie for a championship, describing the balance McLaren has maintained between their drivers.
“They’ve got two great drivers. They’re pushing each other hard, and they’re managing to maintain a healthy relationship, which is always a significant challenge when you’ve got two very competitive drivers fighting for the ultimate prize in Formula 1,”
he observed.
He explained that drivers typically remain loyal to the fastest cars on the grid and saw no reason why McLaren’s drivers would want to move.
“So, I’d be astounded if there was any change to what they’ve committed to.”
Adding to this, Zak Brown made it clear that McLaren’s drivers are not expected to leave. “Our drivers aren’t going anywhere,” he said.
“They’re very happy, we’re very happy, so there’s no need to look at any other drivers on the grid.”
Contract Provisions and the Road Ahead for Verstappen and Red Bull
Reports have highlighted a clause within Max Verstappen’s contract that could allow him an early departure if he falls outside the top four in the Championship standings after the Hungarian Grand Prix. However, the current leader has consistently expressed his intention to stay with Red Bull for the foreseeable future, and team management shares that confidence.
The possibility of Oscar Piastri stepping in as Verstappen’s successor, while discussed, remains a secondary consideration as Red Bull stays focused on solidifying its current roster and improving the performance areas crucial to winning. The ongoing stability within Red Bull is pivotal as the team aims to sustain its success with Verstappen at the forefront of its championship ambitions.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What gender is Max Verstappen’s baby?
A. Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet shared that they have had a baby girl. They announced the news just before the Miami Grand Prix.