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Red Bull Boss Picks Max Verstappen’s Replacement Amid Mercedes Rumors

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Samriddhi Jaiswal | Last updated Jul 4, 2025 11:23 AM ET

Red Bull boss Christian Horner may have just dropped the most unexpected name yet in Formula 1’s swirling driver market drama. With Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull still the hottest topic in the paddock, especially as Mercedes continue to circle, Horner was asked directly if he had a “Plan B” in case the reigning champion decides to jump ship.

His response? A cheeky point at McLaren CEO Zak Brown, standing right next to him, before blurting out: “Oscar Piastri.”

The moment, caught driving a media scrum at Silverstone ahead of the British Grand Prix, set social media buzzing.

Of course, Horner was joking, at least on the surface. But in a season where Verstappen’s rumored exit clauses and Mercedes’ aggressive interest are fuelling non-stop headlines, even tongue-in-cheek comments hit differently.

Piastri, currently locked in with McLaren, has emerged as one of the grid’s most impressive young stars. The 24-year-old Australian sits first in the championship heading into Silverstone, just ahead of teammate Lando Norris, and has proven he’s more than ready to fight for the title.

Meanwhile, Verstappen’s own contract saga rumbles on. Despite being signed at Red Bull through 2028, performance-related clauses have left the door cracked open for Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, especially if Verstappen were to slip outside the top four by the summer break.

Christian Horner asked if he has a Plan B if Max Verstappen were to leave the team, and he gestures to Zak Brown next to him and goes:

“Oscar Piastri!”#F1 #BritishGP
— Chris Medland (@ChrisMedlandF1) July 4, 2025

For now, Horner insists there’s ‘no reason to worry,’ reiterating that Verstappen is committed to Red Bull. Still, his playful nidge at Brown shows how alive the intrigue truly is.

In a silly season already overflowing with twists, even offhand jokes keep the rumor mill roaring.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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