Oscar Piastri could be replaced at McLaren by Max Verstappen, according to former Formula 1 star Ralf Schumacher.
The Aussie driver reportedly has a contract until 2028 and he has spoken of his desire to stay at McLaren long-term.
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But after Verstappen’s trusted engineer Gianpiero Lambiase confirmed he will switch from Red Bull to McLaren, Schumacher believes the Dutchman could follow.
He told Sky Sports Germany: “This could mean he leaves Red Bull because he no longer believes in the team and quits altogether, especially since he never tires of emphasising how boring he finds Formula 1.
“Or, he goes to McLaren with his engineer, which would equally mean that there are negotiations underway at McLaren for Oscar Piastri to go to Red Bull, something we’ve seen before.”
Piastri, 25, signed a new deal at McLaren only last year and hinted that his long-term future with the team was secured in the process.
He said: “It’s a great feeling knowing that I’m part of McLaren’s long-term vision.
“The team had the belief in me when we signed in 2022, and the journey we’ve gone on over the past two seasons to help return McLaren to the very top of the sport has been incredible.
“There are so many talented and special people working at McLaren who have helped me to become a Formula 1 race winner very early in my career.
“Therefore, I’m very proud to be continuing to represent this legendary team for many years to come.”
But three-time Grand Prix winner Johnny Herbert also believes Verstappen may be eyeing a move to McLaren.
He claims the team would not just offer a chance to re-unite with Lambiase, but also the chance to race at Le Mans – an aim Verstappen has made no secret of.
Herbert told Vision4Sport: “With Max it’s not just about having the right car.
“If Max was in a Mercedes, I think you’d still hear complaints, because he still wants that buzz.
“But he’s not getting that at the moment. Then that goes back to if he’s allowed to do those other forms of racing and get the thrill that he needs as a whole package.
“That’s why I think McLaren could well make sense for him in the end.
“With Lambiase moving in 2027 that has shifted the goalposts.
“McLaren have actually improved as well, started off badly, but are now a lot more competitive in a relatively short space of time.
“McLaren have a hypercar. So could that be part of any package that they might offer Max at Le Mans for example as well as still doing Formula 1? Maybe.”
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