The Formula 1 world is currently buzzing with a rumor that might sound silly, but if it holds any truth, it can reshape the grid for the season and beyond. With whispers growing louder that Max Verstappen may be seriously considering an exit from Red Bull, either for a shock move to Mercedes or an early retirement, Christian Horner’s team has reportedly identified their Plan B. That target is none other than McLaren’s rising superstar, Oscar Piastri. This potential move doesn’t just threaten McLaren’s stability; it opens a door for a sentimental favorite to return home, Carlos Sainz.
Why Oscar Piastri?
Speculation is growing this week following reports that Red Bull has singled out Piastri as their preferred replacement should Verstappen walk away as reported by Autosport. While Max is contracted until 2028, the internal shifts at Red Bull, including the departure of legendary engineer Gianpiero Lambiase to McLaren, have fueled talk of a driver swap.
BREAKING: Oscar Piastri has responded to red bull rumours👀
The 9 time race winner claimed in an exclusive interview “Red Bull can sign me on F1 Manager”
looks like the 25 year old isn’t planning on going anywhere pic.twitter.com/pk6AlAf0WN
— Luis Hammerton ⁴⁴🍁 (@LHammerton20192) May 7, 2026
Piastri, who has already secured nine Grand Prix wins, is seen as the perfect fit for Red Bull’s aggressive culture as he is young, remarkably calm under pressure, and possesses championship-winning potential.
Though McLaren CEO Zak Brown has publicly scoffed at the idea of losing his young star, the influence of Piastri’s manager, Mark Webber (an ex-Red Bull driver himself), cannot be ignored. If Red Bull comes knocking with a lead driver seat and a championship-caliber car, the unbreakable McLaren contract might suddenly find itself under strain.
What Makes Carlos Sainz’s Move To McLaren Possible?
If Piastri were to vacate his seat, the most logical and popular candidate to fill it is currently sitting in a Williams. Carlos Sainz, the driver who helped build the foundation of the modern McLaren team alongside Lando Norris during the 2019 and 2020 seasons. While his move to Ferrari brought him race wins, his current stint at Williams has been a test of patience.
Recent reports from Spanish publication Marca suggest that Sainz is “open to” a sensational return. The Spaniard has maintained a close personal relationship with Zak Brown, the two are seen playing golf together, and his chemistry with Norris is legendary.
For McLaren, bringing back a proven race winner who already knows the team’s DNA would be the ultimate safety net if they were to lose Piastri to the Milton Keynes outfit.
