Piastri linked with team move as Verstappen's manager praises Red Bull's 2026 engine
Juan Pablo Montoya insists Oscar Piastri is exploring options outside McLaren, while Max Verstappen's manager offers encouraging early signs for Red Bull's crucial 2026 power unit project.
Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya claims Oscar Piastri and his manager Mark Webber are already in talks with another team, amid speculation about the Australian's satisfaction at McLaren. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen's manager has offered positive early feedback on Red Bull's in-house 2026 power unit project.
Why it matters:
Piastri's future and Red Bull's engine capabilities are two of the most pivotal storylines shaping the 2026 driver market and technical landscape. A potential move for the highly-rated Piastri could trigger a major driver shuffle, while Red Bull's success as a new power unit manufacturer is critical to maintaining its competitive edge post-2025.
The details:
- Piastri's Situation: Juan Pablo Montoya stated he can "guarantee" that conversations about a potential team change for Oscar Piastri are happening. This follows ongoing speculation about whether the 24-year-old is fully content with his status and treatment within the McLaren team structure.
- Red Bull's 2026 Engine: Raymond Vermeulen, manager for Max Verstappen, revealed he is hearing "good things" about Red Bull Powertrains' development for the 2026 season. This marks a significant moment as Red Bull prepares to become a full works manufacturer for the first time under new chassis and power unit regulations.
- Other Headlines: The daily news roundup also covered Ferrari's aggressive development timeline for its 2026 car, Max Verstappen explaining a key setup difference with former teammate Yuki Tsunoda, and Kimi Antonelli's admission about struggling with the intense spotlight after replacing Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.
The big picture:
These stories collectively highlight the intense preparation and strategic maneuvering taking place behind the scenes. Teams are not only pushing technical boundaries for the 2026 rules reset but are also actively positioning themselves in the driver market, where a talent like Piastri is a coveted asset. The early praise for Red Bull's engine project will be closely watched by rivals, as its performance could define the team's and Verstappen's competitive future.