Red Bull has identified Oscar Piastri as its preferred option to replace Max Verstappen if the four-time world champion leaves the team. Sources in the Miami paddock confirmed the plan despite Verstappen's contract for next year.
Team principal Laurent Mekies and Oliver Mintzlaff are prepared to pursue Piastri in the event Verstappen switches teams, takes a sabbatical or exits Formula 1. The team views the driver as central to its technical, commercial and internal operations with more than 2,000 employees relying on stability in the role. Red Bull has invested in junior Isack Hadjar but does not yet see him as ready to anchor the squad following Helmut Marko's departure.
