A surprising comment by Nelson Piquet Jr. has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock, fueling growing speculation about Max Verstappen’s future. The former F1 driver, who is also the brother of Kelly Piquet—Max Verstappen’s current partner—let slip a major hint about a potential move to Mercedes during an appearance on the Brazilian podcast Pelas Pistas.
While discussing the recent struggles faced by the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, Piquet Jr. casually mentioned, “But who knows what will happen next year, when Max will be there.” His unexpected remark immediately caught the attention of the podcast host, who pressed him for clarification.
Realizing the weight of what he had just said, the Brazilian quickly tried to downplay the comment, adding that no formal contract has been signed yet. However, he firmly stated that, in his opinion, “Mercedes is the most logical destination” for Max Verstappen, especially in light of the ongoing uncertainty at Red Bull Racing.
Will Verstappen Be Teammates with Antonelli at Mercedes in 2026?
According to Nelson Piquet Jr., the reigning four-time world champion is expected to make his final decision before the end of August. This timing would allow Max Verstappen to prepare adequately for the major regulation changes that will take effect in the 2026 Formula 1 season.
If the rumor proves true, Max Verstappen would join Mercedes as part of a completely new driver pairing. Alongside the Dutch superstar, the Silver Arrows would field rising star Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a highly rated junior who is being groomed for a full-time F1 debut in 2026.
Interestingly, Piquet Jr. made it clear that this hypothetical line-up would not include George Russell. According to him, Max Verstappen and George Russell have a poor personal relationship, making them incompatible as teammates in such a high-pressure environment. This insider angle added an unexpected twist to what initially seemed like a casual opinion.
What began as an offhand remark quickly turned into what many are interpreting as a “family leak,” given Piquet Jr.’s direct link to Verstappen through his sister Kelly. The Brazilian’s comments have added fresh fuel to the already intense speculation about Verstappen’s long-term future at Red Bull—a team currently grappling with internal tensions, key personnel exits, and doubts surrounding the competitiveness of its 2026 power unit.
Mercedes Monitoring the Situation as Verstappen’s Future Hangs in the Balance
With both George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s contracts expiring at the end of 2025, Mercedes has yet to announce its driver line-up for the new regulatory era starting in 2026. However, behind the scenes, the German outfit is actively exploring its options.
Mercedes-Benz chairman Ola Källenius has reportedly already given his approval to pursue a potential deal with Verstappen, signaling the team’s readiness to enter serious negotiations should the opportunity arise.
In this context, the slip by Nelson Piquet Jr. might not be an innocent mistake, but rather the first tangible sign of a blockbuster move in the making. If confirmed, Verstappen’s switch to Mercedes would not only reshape the driver market but also reignite the fierce Mercedes–Red Bull rivalry in an entirely new form.
“The move to Mercedes is the logical step—now or never,” concluded Piquet Jr., suggesting that the reigning champion is nearing a career-defining crossroads.
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