Schumacher explains why Red Bull should try to pinch Piastri from McLaren
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- Nicole Mulder
Ralf Schumacher believes Red Bull Racing should try to talk to Oscar Piastri about a future drive at the Austrian team. The former Formula 1 driver and brother of seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher believes Red Bull can't just assume Verstappen will stay for the 2026 season.
Why Red Bull should consider Piastri
"If I were Red Bull, I would also try to bring in Piastri. He is not only a super talent but also a pure racer. He will get even better in the future and the small disadvantages he has now compared to Norris will soon disappear," Schumacher said in a conversation with F1 Insider.
"Moreover, Red Bull cannot rely on Verstappen still being in the team in 2026. They have to be prepared for that. Piastri would be the ideal replacement. I am therefore very curious to see how McLaren will handle the Piastri issue in the future," he added.
Helmut Marko reveals to the same source that Mark Webber, former Red Bull driver and currently Piastri's manager, is seeking talks with team boss Christian Horner. However, it should be added that the two maintain a good relationship - not only because of Webber's past at Red Bull but also because they already worked together in Formula 3.
Schumacher is not the first expert to suggest Piastri as a possible option for Red Bull. Earlier, Christian Fittipaldi also stated that he would not be surprised if Piastri swapped McLaren for Red Bull next year to become Sergio Perez's replacement there. However, he added that this would depend on the situation at McLaren at the end of the year and how much is asked of him in Lando Norris' battle with Verstappen.
This article has been created in collaboration with Matt Gretton
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