The Dutchman's discontent with the new regulations keeps the Austrian team in suspense. According to Motorsport Italia, the team is considering a swap with McLaren, the departure of his trusted engineer, Lambiase, to Woking, reinforces the hypothesis, Zak Brown already praised Verstappen in the past
Max Verstappen's discontent with the new Formula 1 regulations is no secret to anyone, the four time world champion has been one of the fiercest critics of the current regulations and has put on the table the possibility of leaving the category if no significant changes are made. A threat that keeps Red Bull in suspense.
According to what has been learned in recent hours, the Austrian team has already set to work. Sources consulted by Motorsport assure that "it has been confirmed on several occasions within the paddock" that the higher echelons of Red Bull are considering hiring Oscar Piastri as a possible replacement if Verstappen decides to end his F1 career at the end of the 2026 season, however, the same medium indicates that there is still optimism that the Dutchman will continue with the team for 2027.
The hypothesis of a swap between Piastri and Verstappen has gained strength for two reasons: the first, the departure of Gianpiero Lambiase, Verstappen's historic engineer, who has headed to McLaren; the second, some old statements by Zak Brown, CEO of the papaya team, which have not gone unnoticed in Milton Keynes.
"We have long term agreements with them and, in my opinion, they are the best driver pairing, both on and off the track. Therefore, we have no intention of replacing either of our two superstars. Obviously, if one of them left, Max has huge talent. But I don't foresee that happening," Brown told SkySports at the time.
Verstappen himself had linked his future to Lambiase's in the past: "I only work with him, as soon as he quits, I'll quit too," he assured in 2021 and the engineer's move to Woking now opens a scenario that until a few months ago seemed unthinkable.
At McLaren, however, they remain calm; the British team has built a solid project around Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, whom they recently renewed their contracts with. The Australian, 25, is considered one of the grid's gems, and his market value has skyrocketed following his recent performances. Still, Red Bull's interest, combined with the possible departure of Verstappen, could trigger an earthquake in the driver market.
Piastri himself has shown extraordinary performance so far this season, in Miami, the Australian finished third, consolidating himself as one of the most consistent drivers on the grid. For Red Bull, which is going through a delicate moment with an RB22 that is not taking off, securing a reliable replacement has become a priority.
For now, it's all speculation. Verstappen has a valid contract and his word, although critical of F1, has not been definitive. But in the paddock, the rumor grows, and Red Bull, far-sighted, is already making moves.