The F1 rumor mill just won’t quit, and the Oscar Piastri-to-Red Bull storyline is far from buried. If you thought that saga was over, think again, because the 𝒹𝓇𝒶𝓂𝒶 surrounding Max Verstappen’s future could bring it all roaring back.
The 25-year-old Australian star was reportedly the odd man out this summer when McLaren allegedly pursued a blockbuster swap deal with Red Bull. The plan, according to insiders, would have sent Verstappen to McLaren in papaya orange by 2027 while Piastri headed the other way.
Instead, Verstappen signed a record-breaking contract extension with Red Bull through 2030, reportedly worth a staggering $107 million per season. For now, Piastri remains firmly a McLaren driver, contracted until at least the end of 2027. Everyone can breathe easy, right?
Not so fast.
The key twist is buried in the fine print of Verstappen’s new deal. His previous contract had an exit clause triggered this summer when he fell outside the top two in the championship standings at the summer break. If the new contract carries a similar performance clause, and Red Bull struggles again in 2027, sources claim we could see a rerun of this summer’s transfer saga.
BBC F1 insider Andrew Benson recently explained that while McLaren and Piastri deny any tension, it’s a fact that McLaren wanted Verstappen this summer. If that move had happened, it’s virtually certain Piastri would have been replaced. That possibility has receded for now, but Benson notes the contract has performance clauses.
If Red Bull are still struggling next year, McLaren may well have another go for Verstappen.
If Verstappen becomes available again, Piastri would once again be the odd man out. His world champion teammate Lando Norris just signed a massive extension through 2030 and is going nowhere. So this is one blockbuster storyline that didn’t happen this summer but is far from dead.
If Red Bull don’t cut the mustard in 2027, expect a sequel with a very similar script. Could the Piastri-to-Red Bull rumors actually become reality?
