It is no secret that Oscar Piastri is in Red Bull's sights. The young Australian talent, thanks to his brilliant debut in these first two years with McLaren, has captured the attention of the top teams, and recent rumors from the paddock suggest that the future of the driver market could soon be shaken by a sensational twist. The latest rumors, in fact, see Sergio Perez ready to announce his retirement in two races, at the Mexican Grand Prix, opening the doors to the possibility of seeing Piastri alongside Max Verstappen in 2025.
Perez towards retirement? The latest rumours from the paddock
According to the reporter Christoffer Linden, Sergio Perez is reportedly on the verge of retiring from Formula 1. The announcement is expected to come at the Mexican's home race, the Mexican Grand Prix, allowing him to bid farewell to his fans with a fitting finale to his career. As reported by Linden: “A rumour circulating in Singapore suggests that Sergio Perez will race for two more Grands Prix before announcing his retirement in Mexico, giving him a more dignified exit than a sacking.”
This solution would allow Perez to avoid a traumatic farewell and to close with honor a long and important adventure. His departure would also leave a void to fill in the Red Bull team, which will now have to find a solution worthy of accompanying Max Verstappen in future challenges..
Piastri the ideal candidate for Red Bull?
If Perez were to indeed announce his retirement, Oscar Piastri seems to be the most likely name to take his place. The young Australian driver, managed by Mark Webber, is on the rise, and after a high-level 2023 and 2024 with McLaren, with the first victories in his career, the Australian has attracted the interest of several stables. Linden continues:
“This would open the door for Red Bull to look for a replacement, as the team currently has no academy driver ready to step up to partner Max Verstappen. Oscar Piastri, who is currently doing very well at McLaren, seems to be Red Bull’s preferred choice.”
Piastri has a contract with McLaren until 2026, but the presence of Webber as his manager and the connection with Red Bull could facilitate the transition, if there were an opening. An opening that could await a further situation, namely the departure of Max Verstappen. Piastri would certainly not go to Red Bull to be the number 2.
Verstappen towards Aston Martin?
However, there is talk of a possible farewell to Red Bull for Verstappen to join Aston Martin, a team that recently acquired Adrian Newey, the key engineer behind many of Red Bull's successes. According to Linden:
“There is also speculation that Verstappen may consider joining Aston Martin, now that Adrian Newey, a key figure in the development of the cars, has moved there.”
Aston Martin would be one of the few teams able to meet Verstappen's financial demands, and if that were to happen, Red Bull would be forced to profoundly reorganise its structure.
McLaren on the rise, but with potential tensions
Meanwhile, McLaren is enjoying the fruits of its labor, with an MCL38 that has almost no weaknesses. After closing the gap to Red Bull, the Woking team has scored two consecutive victories and established itself as the leader of the constructors' championship. However, driver management could become a sensitive issue. Linden also reports that McLaren has blocked Gabriel Bortoleto's move to Audi, suggesting that the team wants to preserve its options in case Piastri decides to leave.
The upcoming month-long break will be crucial for all parties involved. With almost a month to go until the next Grand Prix, teams will have time to reflect on future strategies, and further developments could emerge regarding the futures of Perez, Piastri and Verstappen.
