Aussie Motorsport star Oscar Piastri could replace Max Verstappen at Red Bull, with the future of both drivers firmly up in the air.
Piastri, 25, is currently contacted to McLaren until the end of 2028.
He has so far claimed nine wins for the team, and has played a major role in McLaren winning back-to-back constructors titles.
But with Verstappen’s next move being unknown, new reports have emerged claiming the teams could agree to a swap between the two drivers.
The Dutchman has been linked with moves to McLaren, Ferrari, and even retiring from the sport completely, due to his well-known disdain towards the 2026 F1 regulations.
So if Verstappen was to leave, Red Bull would need to search for a new team leader, with Piastri, being the favourite over current Isack Hadjar, according to Autosport.
Oscar Piastri (pictured) could move to Red Bull in a swap deal with Max Verstappen
The Dutchman (pictured) has been vocal about his dislike towards the new F1 regulations – and his future with Red Bull has been discussed an nauseum for years
Piastri (pictured) has enjoyed a mixed start to the 2026 F1 seasob
The Aussie star finished third in the 2025 World Drivers Championship.
He also led the championship for the majority of the season, claiming seven victories along the way.
Despite two consecutive Do Not Starts hampering his 2026 campaign, the 25-year-has since rebounded well, with two straight podium finishes in Japan and Miami.
Piastri has obtained the attention of Red Bull before.
Former team principal Christian Horner was especially a fan, and was open in his regret in the team’s missed opportunity to sign Piastri years ago.
Reports of Piastri not being too fond of the state of McLaren have surfaced recently, so a move would be understandable.
‘Piastri would find a seat anywhere,’ former Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya told a bookmaker.
‘There’s a suggestion that Max and Piastri could do a straight swap.’