Christian Horner teases McLaren: “If Max Verstappen leaves, our Plan B Is Oscar Piastri”. Christian Horner dismisses rumors of Max Verstappen moving to Mercedes and jokingly names Oscar Piastri as Red Bull’s Plan B.

Christian Horner’s Subtle Provocation Directed at McLaren
With the Formula 1 driver market heating up during a particularly intense week of rumors and negotiations, Christian Horner could not avoid addressing the widespread speculation about Max Verstappen possibly joining the Mercedes Formula One Team. These persistent rumors suggest that the Dutch driver may be in advanced discussions with the German outfit. However, Horner was quick to downplay the reports, dismissing them outright as mere “gossip.”

While it’s understandable that Christian Horner would want to minimize the narrative around any accelerated talks — especially since no concrete developments have occurred in the past few days — it is widely known in the paddock that Max Verstappen and Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff have been in contact for over a year.

Horner’s main concern lies in the possibility that, if Red Bull Racing’s performance continues to decline relative to rivals like McLaren and Ferrari, Verstappen could invoke one of several performance-related exit clauses in his contract, which currently runs through the end of the 2028 Formula 1 season.

Nevertheless, Horner, known for his wit and strategic media presence, did not hold back from making a pointed joke during the official press conference at the 2025 British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Sitting beside Zak Brown, Chief Executive Officer of McLaren Racing, Horner took the opportunity to stir the pot.

Christian Horner’s Words on the Matter
“Plan B if Max leaves? Oscar Piastri,” said Christian Horner, turning directly toward the American executive seated next to him.

The remark was delivered with a smile, but it sparked immediate reactions, as Horner has previously expressed admiration for Oscar Piastri’s driving talent. While the comment may have been tongue-in-cheek, it is not entirely devoid of truth. Piastri, currently in his second full Formula 1 season with McLaren, is widely regarded as one of the most promising young talents on the grid.

However, Christian Horner quickly shifted tone, reiterating Red Bull Racing’s current priorities. The main goal, he emphasized, is to continue providing Max Verstappen with a race-winning car.

“Our position has always been clear — we respect the contracts that other drivers have with their respective teams. Besides, Max is currently in the fastest car on the grid,” Horner added.

On George Russell and a Subtle Message to Max Verstappen
During the same media session, Christian Horner also acknowledged that there had been prior contact with Mercedes driver George Russell, who currently races with car number 63. Though he offered no specific details, Horner used the moment to send a not-so-subtle message to Max Verstappen.

“No one can say for sure who will have the fastest car next year. Driving for Mercedes may not necessarily be the best option,” Horner stated, suggesting that Verstappen should not take Mercedes’ future performance for granted when weighing his long-term options.

The comment appears aimed at reinforcing Red Bull’s case for keeping the three-time World Champion, while simultaneously planting seeds of doubt regarding the advantages of a potential switch to the Silver Arrows.