McLaren Target Shock Oscar Piastri Replacement Amid Quit Rumours

The Formula 1 rumour mill has kicked into gear following the conclusion of the 2025 season, with Oscar Piastri at the centre of attention amid reported interest from McLaren in a rival star.

The Australian fell short of the championship in 2025, having spent the most time at the top of the table, with teammate Lando Norris clinching his first title in the final race in Abu Dhabi. With the Brit’s name now etched in Formula 1 history, many believe that McLaren, if forced to choose, would favour Norris as the number one driver, something supporters have suggested has been the case during the season.

CEO Zak Brown has consistently denied any rumours of favouritism in the team, with both drivers given an equal opportunity to have a run at the world title by the team.

Oscar Piastri Reportedly Eyeing Red Bull Exit

However, despite his contract with McLaren running until 2028, talks have begun over Piastri’s future with the papaya, and a 2027 switch to Red Bull has been heavily touted.

F1 journalists Rebecca Clancy and Ben Hunt have suggested there’s been communication between Piastri’s representatives and Red Bull on their ‘Inside the Piranha Club’ podcast.

Clancy revealed: “What about this relationship between the drivers? Because there were a lot of rumours about Piastri. We know that both McLaren drivers are signed on multi-year contracts; they never tell us exactly how long.

“Piastri’s contract is thought to the end of 2028; however, there were a lot of rumours in the paddock over the weekend that Piastri was looking to join Red Bull from 2027.”

Further reports suggest that Piastri is “secretly frustrated” with his current role at McLaren after suffering championship heartbreak. Team insiders claim that “McLaren are reviewing their options” in case Oscar makes a bid to leave the team.

McLaren Target Big-Name Driver as Oscar Piastri Replacement

If McLaren were to lose the Australian, Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc is reported to be the team’s dream replacement, with the 28-year-old yet to be given a strong enough car by the Scuderia to win a title.

Leclerc is reported to have an exit clause in his Ferrari contract, and following the Monaco-born driver maximizing the car at his disposal to a fifth-placed finish in 2025, frustrations must be brewing between the driver and the team.

McLaren won’t have an open run at Leclerc if he becomes available; Aston Martin are also reported to be interested with their drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll out of contract at the end of next season.

Leclerc would no doubt prove a hot commodity should his signature become available, and a potential pairing with the reigning world champion could create a legacy that rivals that of some of the great driver line-ups of the past.