Oscar Piastri is reportedly protected by a contract exit clause similar to Max Verstappen’s, raising fresh speculation that the two drivers could sensationally swap teams in the near future.
Formula 1’s transfer market is heating up
Rarely have Max Verstappen and Red Bull experienced a period as turbulent as the one that followed the British Grand Prix, which ended with the Dutch champion retiring after another technical issue involving the rear wing.
The Verstappen camp reacted immediately, holding discussions with Oliver Mintzlaff and Laurent Mekies, while the four-time world champion himself appeared genuinely frustrated with the current state of Red Bull.
At the same time, reports suggest that the Anglo-Austrian team has grown increasingly irritated by Verstappen’s refusal to clarify his plans for 2027, leaving the organisation in limbo as it tries to plan for the future.
In recent weeks, speculation has intensified over a possible move that would see Verstappen join McLaren, with Oscar Piastri heading in the opposite direction to Red Bull. What once seemed highly unlikely may now be emerging as a genuine possibility.
Verstappen’s exit clause
After failing to score at Silverstone, Max Verstappen is now guaranteed to head into the summer break outside the top two in the Drivers’ Championship. That situation would allow him to trigger the early-exit clause in his contract, despite his current agreement with Red Bull running until the end of the 2028 season.
The BBC has also suggested that, even once a driver formally expresses the intention to activate such a clause, it may only become effective later in the autumn.
Still, Verstappen now appears closer than ever to being able to exercise his contractual escape route.
The twist: Piastri reportedly has a similar clause
The puzzle could be completed if Verstappen and Piastri simply exchanged seats, with the Dutchman moving to McLaren and the Australian joining Red Bull. According to reports, that scenario may also be made possible by an exit clause in Piastri’s contract.
Speaking on De Telegraaf‘s podcast, Dutch journalist Erik van Haren revealed:
“Piastri is losing ground in the championship. I know he has an exit clause in his contract around the summer break. He’s currently sixth in the standings, so the situation could be quite favourable for him.”
Brazilian outlet Grande Prêmio went even further, claiming that Oscar Piastri has already informed McLaren of his desire to seek a new challenge by activating that clause.
According to the report, Mark Webber—Piastri’s manager—would then use his strong relationship with Red Bull to secure his driver a number-one role within the team, following the internal tensions experienced during the 2025 season.
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