Max Verstappen is not only a four-time Formula 1 World Champion — he is the defining driver of his generation and is increasingly being mentioned in conversations about the all-time greats. Everything he says, does, or hints at carries weight across the entire paddock, and his growing discontent with the current state of the sport is no exception to that rule.

The Dutchman has been openly critical of Formula 1's new technical regulations for 2026, making it clear that he is not comfortable with the driving style the new ruleset demands. Other drivers, including Sergio Pérez and Lando Norris, have voiced similar frustrations — but the weight of Verstappen's words operates on an entirely different level.

For a champion of his stature, there is little left to prove under the current terms. That context has fueled persistent speculation about a potential sabbatical — a scenario in which Verstappen steps away from the sport until the regulations evolve into something he can fully embrace. Any such departure would send shockwaves through the entire grid and force a fundamental recalibration across the paddock.

It would also leave Red Bull Racing in an extraordinarily difficult position. Their decade-long dominance has been built around Verstappen as the central axis of their operation, and replacing someone of his caliber is not a task that can be approached carelessly. Quietly, the team appears to have already begun doing their homework — and one name has surfaced prominently in those discussions: Oscar Piastri.

Motorsport commentator and expert Will Buxton addressed the rumor directly on the Up the Speed podcast. Buxton confirmed that Red Bull had developed a strong interest in signing Piastri should Verstappen choose to leave, arguing that the very fact they were actively scouting alternatives was itself a sign of how seriously they were taking Max's position.

Buxton also noted that Red Bull had been tracking Piastri for years. He pointed out that the team had publicly acknowledged regretting not signing him during his junior career — admitting they never should have allowed him to join the Alpine academy, and certainly should not have stood by while McLaren secured his services.

According to Buxton, Red Bull knew they had missed the boat on Piastri — which is precisely why his presence on their radar should surprise absolutely no one. He described the young Australian as one of the most impressive drivers in the current field and exactly the kind of talent you would want leading your team into the next era.

The pieces are not yet in place, but the conversation has clearly begun. And in Formula 1, that's usually how the biggest moves get started.

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