Max Verstappen is still the face of Red Bull Racing, but the paddock is increasingly talking about a scenario that many people did not want to consider until recently. The world champion may part with the team after the 2026 season, and the team from Milton Keynes is already preparing for such a possibility. One very loud name appeared among the potential successors of the Dutchman.

Verstappen still doesn’t give Red Bull complete peace

Although Red Bull improved the car during the April break and there was clear progress in Miami, Verstappen’s future remains a subject of speculation. After qualifying for the Miami Grand Prix, the Dutchman positively assessed the changes in the car, but this did not end the discussion about his further plans.

Although the four-time world champion has a contract valid until the end of 2028, the contract contains provisions allowing for an earlier departure. Red Bull realizes that improving results alone may not be enough to keep their leader for longer.

The problem is not just the car’s performance

In Milton Keynes, they fear that Verstappen may decide to leave not so much because of the current form of the team, but because of the direction of Formula 1’s development after the regulation changes planned for 2026.

The Dutchman had previously made no secret of his skeptical approach to new power units and energy management methods. The upcoming technical revolution is to be one of the reasons why Red Bull is considering the possibility of losing its biggest star.

Oscar Piastri na radarze Red Bulla

According to information from Roberto Chinchero and “Autosport”, Red Bull has already prepared an emergency plan. The main candidate to replace Verstappen is Oscar Piastri.

The Australian is highly rated by the team’s management. At Red Bull, they see him as a mentally very resilient driver, calm under pressure and at the same time having huge potential for the future.

It is around such players that a project for the coming years can be built, especially if the team were to enter a new era of Formula 1 without its greatest leader.

McLaren may have a problem keeping Piastri?

Today, the most likely scenario remains that Verstappen will continue driving for Red Bull also in the 2027 season. At the same time, sources from the paddock emphasize that the Dutchman’s departure is no longer treated as an abstract vision, but a real option.

That’s why Red Bull is examining Piastri’s situation, even though the Australian has a long-term contract with McLaren. However, the balance of power in the current team may be a problem for him.

Lando Norris remains the central figure of the project in the Woking team. The Briton won the world championship in the 2025 season and the team is being built around him. In such a situation, Piastri may decide in the future that he needs a place where he will become number one.

Red Bull doesn’t want to be left without a plan

In Milton Keynes, they remember perfectly how quickly the situation in Formula 1 can change. Therefore, even with Verstappen’s contract in force, the team is already analyzing possible scenarios for the coming years.

Oscar Piastri seems to be a candidate who perfectly fits Red Bull’s philosophy: young, fast, mentally resilient and ready to fight for the highest goals. However, the question is whether McLaren will let one of the most talented drivers of the young generation leave.