Oscar Piastri’s long-term commitment to McLaren has effectively concluded Red Bull Racing’s contingency planning regarding their future driver lineup. Reports from earlier in the 2026 season indicated Red Bull had identified Piastri as a potential ‘Plan B’ should Max Verstappen consider departing the team or Formula 1 entirely.
This speculation gained traction in May 2026, fueled by Verstappen’s expressed dissatisfaction with the new 2026 technical regulations and Red Bull’s performance challenges at the time.
However, Piastri’s contract with McLaren runs until at least the end of the 2028 season, a deal initially extended in September 2023 to secure his services through 2026.
The Australian driver has consistently affirmed his satisfaction with his position at McLaren. In July 2026, Piastri directly confirmed his intention to remain with the Woking-based squad for the 2027 season.
‘I’m very happy with where I am and where I sit. Zak [Brown] and Andrea [Stella] have been great through that,’ Piastri stated in July 2026.
Further solidifying the situation, Max Verstappen recently signed a new contract extension with Red Bull Racing, committing him to the team through to 2030. This announcement was made in the build-up to the Dutch Grand Prix this season.
Red Bull had already confirmed its driver lineup for the 2026 season in late 2025, with Isack Hadjar partnering Verstappen at the main team. Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad were announced for the sister Racing Bulls outfit.
Therefore, Piastri’s continued tenure at McLaren, coupled with Verstappen’s recent long-term agreement, has removed him as a viable option for Red Bull’s future driver considerations.
