Oscar Piastri linked with Red Bull as Mark Webber reportedly explores options amid Max Verstappen speculation – Max Verstappen’s Formula 1 future has taken another twist, with reports suggesting Oscar Piastri’s management is preparing for the possibility of the Dutchman joining McLaren.
According to German journalists Ralf Bach and Bianca Garloff, Piastri’s manager, Mark Webber, appeared to hint that contingency plans are already being explored, potentially opening the door to a move to Red Bull Racing.
Verstappen rumours continue to dominate the paddock
Reports have repeatedly suggested Verstappen has a performance clause in his Red Bull contract, while McLaren has consistently stated it is satisfied with its pairing of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
However, speculation has intensified during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend, with German journalists Ralf Bach and Bianca Garloff claiming conversations in the paddock point towards contingency plans already being discussed.
Mark Webber’s reaction sparks fresh speculation
Bach revealed details of an exchange with Piastri’s manager, former Formula 1 driver Mark Webber.
“When we asked him about the situation surrounding Red Bull and a possible swap involving Verstappen, he was visibly shocked. He then said that his statements are always blown out of proportion.”
Bach continued by explaining why he believed Webber’s response was significant.
“The way he reacted was striking. I get the strong impression that he has already received signals and is actively working on placing Piastri elsewhere. From his body language and the conversations he is having, you can see that he is considering a departure.”
The comments remain speculative, and neither Webber nor the teams involved have publicly confirmed that any negotiations are taking place.
McLaren relationship reportedly under strain
The report also claims Webber’s relationship with McLaren has cooled following internal tensions surrounding the team’s controversial “papaya rules” during the 2025 season.
According to the report, there are even rumours that Webber is no longer welcome in McLaren’s hospitality area, although this has not been confirmed by either party.
Earlier this year, Piastri had already been linked with a potential switch to Red Bull when Verstappen appeared the leading candidate to join Mercedes. While Mercedes now appears less likely to pursue the four-time world champion, recent reports have instead identified McLaren as a possible destination should Verstappen decide to activate his reported contractual exit clause.
Red Bull is Piastri’s ‘logical option’
Should Verstappen leave Red Bull, the driver market could experience one of its biggest shake-ups in recent Formula 1 history.
Piastri would likely become one of the most sought-after drivers on the grid, with Red Bull emerging as a logical option if a seat became available. Equally, McLaren would face a major decision over whether replacing one of its current drivers with Verstappen would strengthen its long-term championship ambitions.
For now, however, the story remains driven by paddock speculation rather than official negotiations. Red Bull, McLaren, Verstappen and Piastri all remain contracted to their respective teams, with no public confirmation that any driver changes are imminent.
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The Judge, a nom de plume of an experienced F1 journalist and site founder with long-standing sources across the paddock. With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
