Is Max Verstappen switching from Red Bull Racing to Mercedes after this season? According to Nelson Piquet Jr, the answer is yes. Just a week ago, Nelson Piquet Jr stirred things up by suggesting that Verstappen is set to join Mercedes.
While many analysts and journalists have speculated about this, in this case, the claim comes from the Dutch driver’s brother-in-law.
On the
Pelas Pistas podcast, the Brazilian was asked whether he had spoken out of turn or was simply speculating about his brother-in-law’s future in
Formula 1.
Max Verstappen at Silverstone
When asked to elaborate, this time he stated: ''They are talking, everyone knows right? Just missing final contract details, but everyone knows that it’s an option. They are talking.”
When is the deadline set?
"Until August," the Brazilian then replied when asked about the deadline for Verstappen to make a decision about his future in Formula 1.
"By then he needs to have made a decision. Then they'll either have the final details settled or not."
Nelson Piquet Jr. is all for the switch from Red Bull to Mercedes: "I think that would be pretty cool."
Herbert also believes Verstappen's future lies with Mercedes
Former Formula 1 driver and FIA steward Johnny Herbert also believes Verstappen’s future is leaning far more towards Mercedes than Red Bull in 2026,
citing several factors currently working against the team now led by Laurent Mekies.