Before the Austrian GP, there was speculation that Max Verstappen was considering switching teams to Mercedes. These rumours gained more traction after Christian Horner’s shock exit. Now, a former F1 driver with a personal connection to the 4-time Champion appears to have accidentally leaked the news.
Verstappen is reported to have an exit clause in his contract, meaning he could potentially walk away from Red Bull for free if the criteria are met. According to Sky Sports, there is also a buyout clause, under which a team would have to pay more than £100 million. However, has one of Max’s family members just confirmed the Dutchman will join Mercedes?
Nelson Piquet Jr. claims Max Verstappen will drive for Mercedes in 2026
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is keen to add Verstappen to his ranks as he looks to get the Brackley-based team winning championships again. Nelson Piquet Jr., who happens to be the uncle of Verstappen’s newborn daughter, may have accidentally leaked that the four-time world champion is set to join the Silver Arrows.
When discussing the British GP on the Pelas Pista podcast, Piquet Jr. claimed that Mercedes had a poor weekend at Silverstone. He then went on to add: “Who knows next year, with Max there.”
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As the podcast’s presenter looked shocked, Piquet Jr. tried to save the situation: “They are talking, everyone knows, right? They are just missing final contract details, but everyone knows that it’s an option. They are talking. Until August, he needs to have made a decision; they will either get the final details right or not.”
The question is whether this was a slip of the tongue from the former F1 driver or whether he genuinely does not know about Verstappen’s contract situation. If it was a slip of the tongue, this supports the theory that Verstappen could be looking for a new challenge.
Mercedes is also rumoured to have the best powertrain for the new 2026 regulations. Engine power will be a key component of the new-look F1 cars in the 2026 season. Red Bull is reportedly on the back foot, as it is creating its power unit for the first time. Mercedes could be the best option for Verstappen to win a fifth world title.
If Max Verstappen joins Mercedes, who will he replace?
Both Mercedes drivers’ contracts expire at the end of this season. However, Toto Wolff rates Kimi Antonelli highly, and the young Italian has proved his worth this season. He has shown good racecraft and even stood on the podium in Canada. Wolff sees Kimi as championship material and doesn’t want to make the mistake he did with Max in 2014.
Mercedes has also ploughed a lot of money into George Russell’s career. However, it is reported that Russell would make way for Verstappen if the four-time world champion signed with the Silver Arrows.
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If he were replaced, Russell would have options. The simple solution would be to go to Red Bull in a simple swap. However, Aston Martin is rumoured to be interested in signing Russell as they look to mount a championship challenge of their own. If Verstappen does decide to move, it would send shockwaves through the paddock and kick off ‘silly season’.
