Max Verstappen replacement named by Christian Horner as Red Bull boss gets cheeky

Christian Horner singled out Oscar Piastri as his 'plan B', should Max Verstappen leave Red Bull, as the British team principal got cheeky with rival Zak Brown ahead of the British Grand Prix. The reigning world champion's future is up in the air heading into Sunday's outing at Silverstone. Horner is in a difficult position as the summer break draws closer.

Alongside reports questioning his future as team principal, the Red Bull chief must contend with rumours about his star man leaving, and a driver in Yuki Tsunoda whose confidence in the RB21 is at rock bottom. On Thursday at Silverstone, Verstappen refused to flat-out deny the reported conversations with Mercedes regarding a move for the 2026 season. With Kimi Antonelli and George Russell both yet to receive new terms, Toto Wolff is keeping his options open and could still accommodate the reigning world champion at Brackley.

Fortunately for Horner, he has a succession plan mapped out. Asked if he has prepared a plan B after FP1 at the British GP, he jokingly replied: "Yes, Oscar Piastri." This was, no doubt, a cheeky jab at long-time rival Brown, who was also in attendance.

Brown has been rubbing salt in Horner's wounds since the reports of a move to Mercedes escalated. "I think Mercedes is a team on the rise," he told the Sports Agents podcast. "Red Bull, at the moment, has challenges.

"It doesn't mean that they can't fix those challenges. But Max in a Mercedes is pretty uncomfortable to think about, because he's awesome! So, I think I'd rather him stay where he is. I think it would be a disaster for Red Bull if they lost Max."

Unfortunately for Horner, his chances of landing Piastri are extremely slim. The Australian has a long-term contract with the Woking-based outfit and is currently leading the way in the Drivers' Championship standings, charging towards a maiden F1 title in just his third season on the grid.

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