Shocking: Verstappen replacement talks emerge as SHOCK team switch revealed…More
Verstappen replacement talks emerge as SHOCK team switch revealed
Red Bull Racing is reportedly planning for significant driver changes in the coming seasons, including potential strategies to replace Max Verstappen if he decides to leave the team.
The 2024 season was a mixed bag for the Milton Keynes-based outfit; while Verstappen secured the Drivers’ Championship, Red Bull’s dominance waned, and the team finished third in the Constructors’ Championship standings.
After the season finale in Abu Dhabi, Red Bull acted swiftly to shake up their lineup, replacing Sergio Perez for the 2025 season.
Rising talent Liam Lawson is set to join Verstappen for the 2025 campaign.
However, Sky Sports Germany commentator Sascha Roos speculates that Lawson’s tenure at Red Bull may be short-lived.
This reshuffle leaves Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull’s junior team, now branded Visa Cash App RB, for another season.
Roos predicts that Tsunoda could eventually transition to Aston Martin, as the Japanese driver is backed by Honda, who will become Aston Martin’s engine supplier in 2026.
Roos also suggests that Red Bull is eyeing Oscar Piastri, one of Formula 1’s rising stars, to prepare for a scenario where Verstappen leaves the team.
According to Roos, Piastri’s connections to former Red Bull driver and his manager, Mark Webber, could facilitate a move.
He noted Verstappen’s unpredictable nature, hinting that the Dutchman might retire or depart unexpectedly.
Red Bull’s 2024 struggles highlighted their dependency on early-season success.
Despite Verstappen’s championship win, Roos observed that the team’s performance significantly dropped after the initial races.
This isn’t the first time Piastri has been linked with Red Bull.
Earlier in the season, Helmut Marko claimed Webber had initiated discussions about Piastri potentially joining the team. However, Piastri denied any knowledge of such talks.
Currently, the 23-year-old Australian is under contract with Constructors’ Champions McLaren until the end of 2026.
Red Bull’s ongoing challenges underscore the importance of long-term planning for its driver lineup, especially with Verstappen’s uncertain future.
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