The brother of Max Verstappen’s long-term partner has hinted that the Red Bull star is likely to join Mercedes ahead of next season and won’t be taking a sabbatical from F1
The brother of Max Verstappen’s long-term girlfriend has dropped a major hint that the Red Bull driver could be set to switch to Mercedes before the next season and has also dismissed the idea of Verstappen taking a break from F1. The rumour mill has been in overdrive for some time with talk of Verstappen making a move to Toto Wolff’s team.
However, the unexpected dismissal of Red Bull boss Christian Horner this week has only added fuel to the fire that the four-time world champion might be on his way to join the Silver Arrows, potentially replacing the underperforming George Russell.
Mercedes had a day to forget at Silverstone last week, with Russell only managing to secure a P10 finish and Kimi Antonelli failing to complete the race due to a collision.
Red Bull didn’t fare much better, as Verstappen crossed the line in fifth place, maintaining his third position in the drivers’ standings but losing further ground to McLaren pair Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, who are currently sitting in first and second places respectively.
Verstappen has been in a relationship with Kelly Piquet since 2020, and her brother Nelson Piquet Jr., has now used his insider knowledge to shed some light on the F1 star’s potential next career move.
Speaking on the Pelas Pistas Podcast, the former F1 driver was discussing the British Grand Prix and how close Verstappen, 27, is to jumping ship, reports the Express.
“There are some weekends when things just don’t go your way, right?,” Nelson said. “There’s nothing you can do. One of the [Mercedes] drivers [Antonelli] is a rookie who also got hit from behind by [Racing Bulls driver, Isack] Hadjar. In any case, it just wasn’t their [Mercedes] weekend. Who knows, maybe next year Max will be there.”
He continued: “They’re talking, everyone knows that. What remains to be seen is whether they’ll come to an agreement contractually. But that is an option, everyone knows that. It’s being discussed.”
Both Antonelli and Russell are yet to sign fresh contracts with Mercedes, whilst team boss Wolff has been open about his ambition to secure Verstappen in what has become a highly public chase spanning several years.
Verstappen remains tied to Red Bull until 2028, though his contract contains escape clauses that could facilitate a swift departure to a rival outfit.
Nelson dismissed suggestions that Verstappen might step away from the sport temporarily next season, instead believing a crucial decision is imminent, whilst even offering his own forecast about who Verstappen might partner at Mercedes.
Discussing the rumours about Verstappen’s future with Mercedes and the possibility of a break from F1, he added: “He will be there [F1]. I think by August he’ll have made his decision. They’ll either come to an agreement or not. That would be interesting. Ah, if he goes there, it will be Antonelli (who stays at Mercedes). It will definitely be Antonelli. Absolutely.”
Red Bull announced Horner’s dismissal from the team on Wednesday after a remarkable 20-year stint. A slump in form prompted the team to make changes as they fell to fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, paving the way for Laurent Mekies to take over.
Despite whispers of tension between Horner and Verstappen, the Dutch champion took to social media to pay tribute to the 51-year-old following his exit.
Posting on X, Verstappen wrote: “From my first race win, to four world championships, we have shared incredible successes. Winning memorable races and breaking countless records. Thank you for everything, Christian!”.