Oscar Piastri has responded for the first time to the rumors about a Red Bull switch. The Australian was reportedly seen as the favorite to replace Max Verstappen, should the Dutchman decide to leave the Austrians before the end of his contract. For Piastri himself, the news is: ‘There have been no talks or anything, but it is flattering.’
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The rumors about a possible move to Red Bull by Oscar Piastri come after the Australian last year still competed for the title with teammate Lando Norris and Max Verstappen up to the Abu Dhabi GP. McLaren tried in 2025, through the much-discussed ‘papaya rules’, to create a level playing field for their two drivers, which brought Verstappen dangerously close to his fifth world title. The final difference between the Dutchman and champion Norris was only two World Championship points. Piastri fell back to third place in the championship after impressing early in the season with his multiple Grand Prix wins.
‘For me, it is news’
Coupled with the uncertainty about Verstappen’s future in Formula 1, this formed the basis for rumors that Piastri might move to Red Bull. Provided the four-time world champion would retire early. However, the main character in this story knew nothing about it. “For me, it is news,” Piastri said in Canada about the transfer rumors. “Of course, there have been no talks or anything, but it is flattering. It’s really not much more than that.”
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“Hopefully it proves my value as a driver, which is of course nice,” the Australian added. “But I am very satisfied with where I am now, and I have a lot of confidence in this team that we will win races and hopefully championships in the future.” In addition, with the new rule changes, the chance has increased that Verstappen will simply remain in Formula 1.
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Read everything about the Canadian GP here
