Amidst all the turmoil within Red Bull and the ongoing exit rumors surrounding Max Verstappen, Oscar Piastri was mentioned as a possible successor to the Dutch champion. Piastri is now a three-time race winner and has already proven that he is on par with teammate Lando Norris. He himself denies the rumors that he considered a transfer to the Austrians.
Oscar Piastri recently signed a new, multi-year contract with the McLaren team. Before he put pen to paper, there was speculation that the Australian had also lobbied with other teams. After all, at the British racing stable, he always has to share the spotlight with Lando Norris. The controversial papaya rules of 2024 are still fresh in memory. Can Piastri win a title if he always has to take into account the interests of his teammate?
‘Other teams were not an option’
That’s why there were rumors that Piastri had also inquired about a contract with Red Bull. There is a high probability that Max Verstappen will leave sooner or later, especially now that the results are disappointing compared to previous years. Did Piastri want to succeed him at the Austrian racing stable, or was he always planning to stay loyal to McLaren? He confirmed the latter to The Times.”For me, other teams were never really an option,” he responded. “McLaren is, first and foremost from the perspective of the car, but also from the team environment, the place where I want to be. Many other drivers would also want to drive here. I am confident that I can win with this team.” It is clear that Oscar Piastri does not enjoy a preferential role at McLaren, although he believes that he could assume a leadership role in the long term. “If I didn’t have confidence in that, I might not have signed this long contract,” he concluded. Before Oscar Piastri signed a new contract with McLaren, he was linked to a transfer to Red Bull.
