Helmut Marko’s departure from Red Bull opened the door for Laurent Mekies to target Oscar Piastri

TL;DR

Red Bull is showing interest in Oscar Piastri following Helmut Marko's departure, potentially as a backup for Max Verstappen. Piastri's contract with McLaren reportedly runs through 2028, which could require a hefty payout for an early move.

Key points

Red Bull shows interest in Oscar Piastri after Helmut Marko's exit
Piastri's contract with McLaren reportedly runs through 2028
Interest in Piastri may be a backup plan for Max Verstappen's future

Red BullOscar PiastriMcLarenMax Verstappen

Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images

According to a new report, Red Bull’s interest in Oscar Piastri highlights a shift in the team’s approach since Helmut Marko’s exit.

News broke on Thursday that Red Bull have their eye on Piastri, with the move seemingly being considered as a backup plan if Max Verstappen decides to leave or retire. Verstappen has already made it clear he’s unhappy with F1’s new regulations and is weighing his future.

The exact details of Piastri’s contract with McLaren aren’t public, but it’s believed to extend through 2028, meaning Red Bull would likely need to pay out a significant sum if they want him sooner.

Red Bull wouldn’t have targeted Piastri if Marko was still there

According to Motorsport IT, Marko was firmly committed to a clear philosophy during his time at Red Bull. He believed in promoting from within, pairing an emerging talent with a more established lead driver.

Ever since Red Bull purchased Minardi in 2005 and turned it into their junior team, the club has almost always promoted from within. Sergio Perez’s arrival in 2020 was a rare exception but even that move came out of necessity.

With Marko now gone and Laurent Mekies in charge, the club appears to be moving towards a more open approach. There’s growing interest in the external market, and Piastri is seen as a strong fit for this new direction.

Piastri’s podium finish at the Miami Grand Prix marked his 28th top-three appearance in just his 72nd race. The 25-year-old already has nine wins under his belt and finished just 13 points behind world champion Lando Norris last season.

Why Red Bull’s interest in Oscar Piastri isn’t as simple as it sounds

Q&A

Why is Red Bull interested in Oscar Piastri?

Red Bull's interest in Oscar Piastri stems from a strategic shift after Helmut Marko's exit, potentially as a contingency if Max Verstappen leaves or retires.

What is the status of Oscar Piastri's contract with McLaren?

Oscar Piastri's contract with McLaren is believed to extend through 2028, which means Red Bull would need to negotiate a significant payout for an early release.

How does Max Verstappen's dissatisfaction with F1 regulations affect Red Bull's plans?

Max Verstappen's dissatisfaction with the new F1 regulations has prompted Red Bull to consider alternatives like Oscar Piastri, as Verstappen is weighing his future with the team.