The future of Max Verstappen in Formula 1 remains surrounded by doubts, and Red Bull Racing is already evaluating possible alternatives in case the four-time world champion leaves the category at the end of 2026. According to rumors cited by RacingNews365, Oscar Piastri appears as the team’s main option to replace the Dutchman.
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The situation gained strength after Verstappen’s recent statements about his dissatisfaction with the current regulations of the category. The driver made it clear that the Formula 1 environment no longer provides the same motivation as in previous seasons.
“I am thinking about everything inside this paddock. I want to be here to have fun, have a great time and enjoy. At the moment, that really isn’t happening,” Verstappen told BBC Radio 5 Live after the Japanese GP held in March.
A large part of the Red Bull driver’s frustration is related to the power unit regulations introduced for 2026. Verstappen has previously stated that the behavior of the cars ‘does not feel natural’ for a driver, especially due to the strong dependence on energy management.
Despite this, changes announced by the FIA for 2027 may influence a possible continuation of the Dutchman in the category. The entity agreed, in principle, to change the power split between the combustion engine and the electric part, making the ratio closer to 60/40, in addition to increasing the nominal power of the combustion engine by 50 kW.
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These changes directly address the criticisms made by Verstappen in recent months. Even so, the possibility of retirement or team change continues to be discussed behind the scenes in Formula 1.
In this scenario, Piastri emerges as the ideal name to take on the role of team leader in Milton Keynes. The 25-year-old Australian has nine wins and 28 podiums in 72 GPs contested in his career, in addition to finishing the 2025 season in third place in the championship, winning seven races throughout the year.
According to the publication, the calm and consistent attitude of the McLaren driver is seen as an important characteristic to lead Red Bull in a possible new phase. Race performance and the ability to compete for titles also appear as factors that strengthen the team’s interest in the Australian.
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