Red Bull F1 News: Potential Replacements for Max Verstappen as

Red Bull F1 News: Potential Replacements for Max Verstappen as Red Bull Prepares for 2025 Season

As Red Bull gears up for the 2025 Formula 1 season, attention is beginning to turn toward the team’s driver lineup, particularly the possibility of finding a strong replacement for Max Verstappen. The Dutch driver has been instrumental in Red Bull’s success over the past few years, helping the team secure back-to-back Constructors’ titles and claiming four consecutive F1 World Drivers’ Championships. However, there is always the looming question of what happens if Verstappen decides to part ways with the team, and Red Bull, known for its history of driver changes, may soon be looking for the next talent to fill his seat.

Max Verstappen’s Reign at Red Bull

Verstappen has been the cornerstone of Red Bull Racing’s resurgence as a dominant force in Formula 1. Since joining the team in 2016, the Dutch driver has shattered records, becoming one of the sport’s most successful drivers at a young age. His partnership with Red Bull has been a winning formula, with Verstappen claiming multiple championships and pushing the team to the top of the Constructors’ standings.

Despite this success, Red Bull has a history of making swift decisions when it comes to their drivers. The team has never been shy about making changes in pursuit of success, as evidenced by their recent move to replace Sergio Perez with New Zealand’s Liam Lawson from their sister team, AlphaTauri. This shift in the driver lineup highlights Red Bull’s willingness to shake things up, even when they are at the peak of their success.

The Challenge of Replacing Verstappen

The idea of replacing a driver of Verstappen’s caliber is no small task. Verstappen’s aggressive yet calculated driving style, combined with his ability to consistently deliver under pressure, makes him one of the most valuable assets in Formula 1. However, if Verstappen were to leave the team—whether by his own decision or due to a change in Red Bull’s strategy—the team would need to find a replacement capable of maintaining their dominant position in the sport.

Oscar Piastri: A Top Contender

One name that has emerged as a potential replacement for Verstappen is Oscar Piastri, the Australian driver who recently helped McLaren win their first-ever Constructors’ Championship. Piastri’s meteoric rise in Formula 1 has caught the attention of many, and his performances have marked him as one of the brightest young talents on the grid.

According to Sky Sports Germany commentator Sascha Roos, Piastri could be an ideal candidate for Red Bull if Verstappen were to leave. Roos pointed out that Piastri’s success at McLaren, including two race wins, three fastest laps, and ten podium finishes, positions him as a strong option for the Austria-based team. Additionally, there are connections between Piastri’s manager, former Red Bull driver Mark Webber, and the Red Bull organization, further fueling speculation about a potential move.

“I believe that Red Bull would also like to sign Oscar Piastri,” Roos said. “There are, of course, good connections to his manager, Mark Webber. And with Verstappen, you always have to expect him to say, ‘Bye, thanks, that’s it.’”

Piastri’s current contract with McLaren runs until the end of the 2026 season, but his growing resume and potential could make him a target for Red Bull in the future.

Red Bull’s History of Driver Changes

Red Bull’s approach to drivers has always been dynamic, with the team making several high-profile moves in the past. Most recently, they replaced Sergio Perez with Liam Lawson, despite Perez having helped the team secure multiple victories. Lawson, who was promoted from AlphaTauri, will be under significant pressure to perform, especially since he was chosen over Yuki Tsunoda, who has been waiting for his shot at Red Bull for some time.

According to Roos, Tsunoda may be facing a new challenge in the form of an opportunity with Aston Martin. With Honda set to become Aston Martin’s engine supplier in 2026, Tsunoda, who has strong backing from Honda, could find himself with a seat at Aston Martin, should Lawson establish himself at Red Bull.

“I can see Yuki Tsunoda ending up at Aston Martin sooner or later,” Roos shared. “Tsunoda is supported by Honda, and they will be Aston Martin’s engine supplier from 2026.”

The Future of Red Bull’s Driver Lineup

As Red Bull looks toward the future, the team will need to carefully consider how they manage their driver lineup. While Verstappen’s departure is not guaranteed, the team will likely have contingency plans in place. Piastri’s name stands out as a top contender, but Red Bull has also shown they are willing to take risks, as seen with Lawson’s promotion.

Regardless of what happens, Red Bull’s ability to maintain its competitive edge in Formula 1 will depend on finding the right talent to continue the team’s winning legacy. With young drivers like Piastri rising through the ranks, the future of Red Bull’s driver lineup looks as promising as ever.