Red Bull has been pointed towards a clear target to replace Max Verstappen — if the Dutchman decides to leave the Milton Keynes-based squad.
The four-time F1 drivers’ champion is contracted to the team until the end of 2028, but clauses in his deal could pave the way for an early exit, and he has been linked with a move away over the past year.
There are longstanding ties to Mercedes, with Toto Wolff an admirer of Verstappen after missing out on his signature over a decade ago, and following the news that Gianpiero Lambiase is heading to McLaren, the reigning constructors’ champion has become a realistic option, too.
Ferrari has repeatedly been suggested as a good landing spot for the 28-year-old, whilst Aston Martin has become an increasingly unlikely destination amid the Silverstone team’s struggles this year.
If Verstappen leaving does come to fruition, Red Bull will face the unenviable task of finding a driver capable of filling the void.
However, the vast majority of F1 fans believe McLaren’s Oscar Piastri would be the right driver to make the switch, which would be a straight swap if the 71-time grand prix winner does head to Woking.
In a recent poll conducted by ApexF1News, over 80 per cent of respondents backed the Australian as the “perfect” replacement.
Check out the full results below, and let us know what you think in the comments section!
