Since joining McLaren, Oscar Piastri has gone from strength to strength. The Aussie has secured nine podiums and even taken his first two wins this season in Hungary and Azerbaijan. His high points tally has helped his team take the lead in the constructors’ championship.
On the other hand, Mexican driver, Sergio Perez, has struggled, with Red Bull slipping back to second in the championship. With the 34-year-old under pressure, is one of Formula 1’s most exciting youngsters in with a shout of replacing him?
How likely is a Piastri move to Red Bull?
Piastri has had an excellent season, while his Mexican counterpart has struggled since April. With Perez under increasing pressure to perform, rumors are circulating about him being replaced sooner rather than later. A name now linked is Oscar Piastri.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has admitted the team has been speaking to Piastri’s manager, Mark Webber. Speaking to F1-insider, the Austrian said, “Let’s put it this way: Mark Webber is looking for intensive dialogue.”
However, there are some doubts about this move. Red Bull already has its own young drivers battling for the second seat. Liam Lawson impressed on his comeback race last weekend in Austin, while Yuki Tsunoda has been a consistent performer all season.
Liam Lawson equals his best race result with a P9 in Austin on his return to Formula 1!
An incredible drive from the Kiwi 🇳🇿#F1 #USGP pic.twitter.com/KmYmdlkrfh
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) October 20, 2024
There could also be some gamesmanship on Piastri’s side. There is a chance he and his management team are speaking with other teams to get an improved contract at the Woking-based outfit and to be put on an equal footing with Lando Norris, instead of a number two driver.
How long is Oscar Piastri’s contract with McLaren?
After impressing in his first season, McLaren offered the young Australian an extension to his contract. The 23-year-old signed a ‘multi-year’ deal, which expires in 2026. This does show he has faith in the team.
The 2026 season is significant as the new regulations take effect. This suggests Piastri has faith in the papaya outfit to deliver a championship-winning car in the new era. Should they fail to do so, he has time on his side to change teams then.
FULL. SEND.
Here’s the move that won Oscar Piastri the Azerbaijan Grand Prix 👏🍿#F1 #AzerbaijanGP pic.twitter.com/VUdXIW9lFy
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 15, 2024
With McLaren currently having a better, if not equal, pace than Red Bull, it would be surprising if Piastri jumped ship before the regulation changes. Moving to a team and partnering with Max Verstappen and becoming a de facto number two should not be on the talented Australian’s agenda.
