Oscar Piastri flattered by Red Bull F1 interest

McLaren Formula 1 driver Oscar Piastri has labelled Red Bull's interest in him as a plan B should Max Verstappen go as flattering but the Australian has denied any knowledge of it.

Motorsport.com revealed earlier this month that Piastri is on Red Bull's radar as a long term replacement for Verstappen should the Dutchman decide to leave the team. The four-time world champion has been disillusioned with F1’s new regulations and said he had “life decisions” to make after a flawed start to the 2026 rules cycle.

Sources familiar with the situation confirmed over the Miami Grand Prix weekend that there was a push to get Piastri on the table in the event the team lost its four-time world champion, whether moving to another outfit, taking a sabbatical or leaving F1 altogether.

Asked about the subject in the Canadian Grand Prix paddock, Piastri said he was flattered by Red Bull’s interest but had no knowledge of it. ““Yes, it is news to me,” said the Australian. I mean, there hasn't been any talks or anything, but it's flattering, and that's pretty much all there is to it, really.Hopefully it proves my stock as a driver, which is a nice thing. But I'm very happy with where I am. “I'm very happy where I am, I have a lot of confidence in this team that we are going to be able to win races and hopefully championships in the future.

Piastri is under contract to McLaren until the end of 2027, Verstappen until the end of 2028, but with a number of break clauses in his contract depending on Red Bull’s performance.

Speaking on Thursday, Verstappen said F1's proposed changes to the power unit regulations for 2027, which suggest a 60-40 split between combustion power and electric energy, would be a step forward for F1 and, potentially, for his future in the series.“It will make the product better, so that means that I am happier and that is what I want to be able to continue in Formula 1,” said Verstappen. Yes or no? Well it doesn't matter. I’m fine where I’m at. I see the team really progressing and that is also very exciting to watch. "And for me I wanted to go on anyway but I always wanted to see change."