Insider Claims Max Verstappen's Mercedes Move Is Almost Done
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Amid ongoing rumors about Max Verstappen's potential switch to Mercedes, Nelson Piquet Jr., the brother of Verstappen's partner Kelly Piquet, has made a bombshell revelation about Verstappen's Mercedes links.
Speculation about the Dutch driver's Mercedes move began after George Russell admitted that his Mercedes contract extension was on hold due to the team's ongoing talks with Verstappen.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged the link but revealed that Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli will likely form the team's 2026 driver lineup. However, he didn't shy away from saying that Verstappen was definitely a priority option for the long-term future.
Related: Flight Tracker Data Suggests Max Verstappen's Meeting With Mercedes Chief
The likelihood of the four-time world champion's interest in Mercedes is high, given the challenges at Red Bull. The team has been struggling with the car since mid-2024, a stark contrast to 2023's dominant performance when Verstappen won 19 out of the 22 races.
Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing walks in pit lane with George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo...
Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing walks in pit lane with George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari on May 17, 2025 in Imola, Italy. MoreApart from the challenges with the RB21 F1 car, Red Bull is developing its own power units for the 2026 car in collaboration with Ford under the Red Bull Powertrains banner. However, with no proven track record of making powerful and reliable engines, Red Bull has a heavy weight on its shoulders, and Verstappen's confidence in the team's technical prowess is yet to be known.
Especially after the sudden exit of former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, who was replaced by former Racing Bulls team boss Laurent Mekies last week. Piquet Jr. spoke on the Pelas Pista podcast after the British Grand Prix, revealing that Verstappen will be at Mercedes next year. Addressing the disappointing weekend for Mercedes at Silverstone, he said:
"Who knows next year, with Max there..."
Podcast host Thiago Alves couldn't believe what he had heard. Piquet Jr. then revealed further insider details. He said:
"They are talking, everyone knows right?
"Just missing final contract details, but everyone knows that it's an option. They are talking."
Piquet Jr. then revealed that Verstappen is expected to make a decision about his Mercedes move by this August. He said:
"Until August, he needs to have made a decision, they will either get the final details right or not. But I think it would be pretty cool."
When Alves asked him if it was cool if he switched or if he stayed, Piquet Jr. said:
"To switch."
We should take this with a huge pinch of salt, but interesting to hear this from a family member.
Related: Kimi Antonelli Breaks Silence after Verstappen's Strong Links to Mercedes
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