Christian Horner Eyes Oscar Piastri As Red Bull Racing Successor In Case Of Verstappen Exit

Last Updated:July 04, 2025, 20:47 IST

Red Bull's Christian Horner eyes McLaren's Oscar Piastri as a potential Max Verstappen replacement in case the four-time champion decides to exit the team.

Formula One: Oscar Piastri at McLaren (AP)

No Verstappen? Well, no worries for Red Bull, because boss Christian Horner says he’ll pursue the current F1 Championship leader, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, as his next option.

In what is looking to turn out as a whirlwind saga in F1, the rumours of four-time champion Max Verstappen leaving his old stomping grounds of Red Bull Racing only seem to build more steam with every passing day.

Verstappen is currently third in the drivers’ championship, trailing leader Oscar Piastri of McLaren by a significant 61-point margin. Red Bull, once a dominant force, has slipped to fourth in the constructors’ standings.

In the midst of all the drama that seems to be unfolding, Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner has set his sights on a viable replacement, in case the Dutchman decides to jump ship.

“Oscar Piastri," stated Horner in the pre-race press conference at the British Grand Prix.

Questioned if Russell, a likelier proposition than Piastri, would be an attractive option for Red Bull, Horner voiced his surprise that the Brit was not yet tied down, but confirms no talks had taken place.

“Well, it’s remarkable that George is still on the market," he said. “We haven’t engaged in any discussion with George. So he’s obviously pretty confident that he’s going to get to remain where he is."

Sky Sports News understands Verstappen has not indicated he wants to leave Red Bull early, nor has there been an official approach from Mercedes for the reigning F1 world champion.

But Verstappen has a clause in his contract allowing him to leave Red Bull after this season if he is not in the top four of the Drivers’ Championship at the start of the F1 summer break, which follows the Hungarian Grand Prix on August 3.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confirmed that “conversations behind closed doors" were taking place. As per a Sky Sports report, talks have intensified, with Verstappen willing to free himself from his current Red Bull contract, which runs until 2028.

However, the Mercedes board is unsure if signing Verstappen is necessary, given they could have the car to beat following the new regulations in 2026 and may not need the driver who is widely seen as the best on the grid.

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

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News sports Christian Horner Eyes Oscar Piastri As Red Bull Racing Successor In Case Of Verstappen Exit