Oscar Piastri is reportedly reassessing his future at McLaren after narrowly losing the 2025 title, sparking speculation of a possible move to Red Bull. Despite strong early-season form, a late slump and strategic missteps allowed Lando Norris and Max Verstappen to overtake him in the standings. McLaren’s perceived favouritism toward Norris intensified scrutiny, even as CEO Zak Brown praised Piastri post-season in what many saw as damage control.
Rumours from respected journalists Rebecca Clancy and Ben Hunt suggest Piastri may be eyeing Red Bull for 2027, despite being contracted through 2028. Their discussion highlighted the fluidity of the driver market, especially with upcoming regulation changes and Ford’s partnership with Red Bull from 2026. If Red Bull’s new power unit proves dominant, the team could become the grid’s most desirable destination.
Piastri has previously dismissed Red Bull links, affirming his commitment to McLaren and pride in the team’s remarkable rise since 2023. However, industry insiders argue his manager, Mark Webber, is likely exploring all possibilities to secure a future title shot. With several teams entering unknown performance territory under new rules, major moves remain plausible.
F1 expert Cameron van den Dungen believes Piastri will remain with McLaren through 2026 but expects behind-the-scenes maneuvering to intensify. As top teams prepare for sweeping technical changes, drivers are prioritizing performance potential over contract lengths or salaries. Piastri, like others, will focus on securing a championship-capable car above all else.
With Red Bull’s new era, Aston Martin’s shake-up, and Mercedes’ driver uncertainty, the 2027 grid could look radically different. While tensions at McLaren may not force an immediate exit, Piastri’s long-term trajectory remains one of the sport’s most intriguing storylines.
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