Red Bull Regrets Missing Oscar Piastri, Views Him as Verstappen Replacement, Says Buxton

Former F1 TV presenter Will Buxton believes Red Bull has regretted missing out on Oscar Piastri for years, and that the team's current interest in the McLaren driver is a clear sign they take Max Verstappen's exit threats seriously.

Speaking on the Up To Speed podcast, Buxton noted that Red Bull's pursuit of Piastri as a potential successor to Verstappen reinforces how highly the Milton Keynes outfit regards the Australian. Co-host Naomi Schiff backed Piastri as a "good fit" for Red Bull, citing his consistency and ice-cool temperament.

Why it matters:

Red Bull's targeting of Piastri indicates the team is preparing for the possibility of Verstappen leaving. Piastri has shown he can lead a team while staying level-headed — qualities Red Bull values in a top driver.

The details:

• Buxton: "Red Bull has had its eyes on Oscar Piastri for years. They've gone on record stating they wish they'd signed him as a junior driver."
• Schiff described Piastri as consistent and unemotional, noting that if there is a perceived preference for Lando Norris at McLaren, that could make a Red Bull seat more appealing.
• Red Bull's regret stems from letting Piastri join the Alpine Academy before McLaren snatched him away.

What's next:

Piastri remains under contract with McLaren, but driver market speculation is heating up. If Verstappen decides to leave, Piastri is emerging as a top candidate — and the two teams could face a tug-of-war for his services.