Christian Horner Reportedly Eyeing Oscar Piastri & Alex Albon if Max Verstappen Leaves for Mercedes

Ever since the turn of the year, we have had one head-turner after the other. However, specifically, it’s Christian Horner‘s “inappropriate behavior” drama that keeps on giving and now has branched out beyond our imagination. It has branched out to an extent that now Max Verstappen is being seriously linked with a move to Mercedes. No one could’ve ever imagined one accusation would have such a far-reaching and lasting impact on the entire Red Bull team. However, even if this highly unlikely and unfavorable scenario becomes true, Horner is prepared to face any consequence head-on with contingencies in place like Alex Albon and Oscar Piastri.

A lot of incidents have now made Verstappen’s move to Mercedes a possibility. Jos Verstappen’s public demand for Horner’s dismissal while he was also spotted in talks with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff after the Bahrain GP. Helmut Marko said, “As far as I am concerned, I will not stand in the way of Max.” when asked to comment on Max Verstappen to Mercedes rumors. The revelation of the exit clause in Verstappen’s contract and his citation of Lewis Hamilton‘s move to Ferrari is an example of highlighting the uncertainties in the F1 world.

All these scenarios prove if Horner is staying, he should be prepared for the worst. According to a report by Formula Passion, he is! The news outlet reports that the boss is putting faith in his team and the car instead of the driver. No doubt Max Verstappen is a class apart. However, Horner is prepared to lose him and replace him with Alex Albon and Oscar Piastri.

Both drivers have been excellent for their respective teams in 2023. For the now Williams man, being a part of the Red Bull formally also helps. His output and experience in the sport and with the team would complement Oscar Piastri’s raw talent, whose manager happens to be ex-Red Bull driver Mark Webber.

The existing contracts will pose a challenge but Red Bull is ready to break the bank to secure the services of the two if Verstappen to Mercedes does become a reality.

Read More: F1 Rumor: Max Verstappen to Leave Red Bull to Join Mercedes Because of Christian Horner, Helmut Marko Concerned

However, it all comes down to will he leave the best car on the grid by a mile or 32 seconds, for the alleged actions of one man. We highly doubt so and so does the rest of the grid.

F1 entities can’t make sense of Max Verstappen leaving Red Bull for Mercedes

The same reason Horner won’t be afraid to let Verstappen go is the same reason he will stay, the car. The RB20, as seen in Bahrain, is head and shoulders above the rest and that’s all a good racing driver needs. Doesn’t matter the controversies, the drama, the chatter, at the end of the day, it’s the car. The car that will win them races and championships and that’s exactly what history books remember.

This is exactly why, plenty of F1 entities believe the Dutchman won’t leave.

“I think a driver will always choose the quickest car,” said Wolff, the man who is seemingly poaching the Dutchman. The man he’ll be replacing can’t make any sense out of it as well. Hamilton said, “But I’m pretty sure he’s tied up. And also, I couldn’t see why you would leave a car that was that good.”

However, we believe the German former racing driver Hans-Joachim Stuck said it best. He said, “Verstappen would be incredibly stupid if he did that. Red Bull is the best team, even if Horner were to leave,”

To put the final nail in the coffin, the man himself confessed, “So the intention is absolutely to stay with this team because I really enjoy it and I’m also really happy within the team. As long we perform, there’s no reason to leave.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Max Verstappen’s Chaos Continues: Disqualified for Revenge, Triggers Chaos in Sim Race

Need we say more? Rumors come and go and some linger for longer, however, it does not mean all of them need the same attention as the rest. As for Verstappen to Mercedes, let’s see how far it goes. Either way, it won’t be the end of the world for Red Bull.