Max Verstappen’s brother-in-law disclosed an intriguing detail in the ongoing story of whether the current world champion will stay with Red Bull.
Max Verstappen’s brother-in-law and ex-F1 driver Nelson Piquet Jr. disclosed that the Dutch racer will decide on his future in August.
Verstappen has been strongly associated with a surprise transfer to Mercedes, as recently dismissed Red Bull chief Christian Horner, Helmut Marko, and his manager Raymond Vermeulen have all declined to dismiss the possibility of a departure.
The four-time world champion has declined to verify whether he will stay with the Milton Keynes-based team next year, even though he is contracted until the end of 2028.
A relocation has been associated with Verstappen possessing multiple exit clauses that could be triggered this summer.
Should he make a move, Mercedes appears to be the probable choice, as indicated by Piquet.
“It was not a good weekend for Mercedes [at Silverstone],” Piquet Jr. mentioned on the Pelas Pistas podcast. “Perhaps Max will be present next year.”
“Oops, is that true?” the podcast host inquired of Piquet Jr., to which the ex-Renault F1 driver replied, “No, because they communicate with everyone; that’s common knowledge, right? However, it remains a choice; everyone is aware of that regardless.”
The Brazilian stated that Verstappen will determine next month if he will remain with Red Bull or depart from the Austrian team.
“I believe he will decide in August,” Piquet disclosed, further expressing his opinion on the 27-year-old’s choices, “He will switch.”
If Verstappen were to join Mercedes, the prevailing assumption is that he would take George Russell’s place, given the time and resources the Silver Arrows have dedicated to Kimi Antonelli.
Piquet also anticipates this: “If he goes there, it will be Kimi Antonelli [next to him]. That’s definitely true.”
Piquet Jr.’s comments have stirred significant interest in the paddock, as Verstappen’s future continues to be one of the most discussed topics in the 2025 driver market. Verstappen has remained tight-lipped about his intentions beyond 2025, despite the long-term contract binding him to Red Bull. However, a growing sense of unrest inside the team following recent managerial changes, and ongoing speculation around power dynamics, has only added fuel to the fire.
Verstappen’s exit clauses—believed to include performance and leadership-based triggers—mean he could legally part ways with Red Bull under specific conditions. This has led many in the sport to closely watch not just his results, but the broader stability of Red Bull Racing.
Mercedes, though not enjoying their most competitive season, have made no secret of their desire to secure a top-tier driver to succeed Lewis Hamilton, who is departing for Ferrari in 2025. The Silver Arrows have invested heavily in 17-year-old prodigy Kimi Antonelli, who many believe is destined to race for them sooner rather than later. This has placed current driver George Russell under pressure, as Verstappen’s potential arrival could reshape Mercedes’ entire strategy.
While Piquet’s remarks are not an official confirmation, his proximity to the Verstappen family—he is the brother of Verstappen’s partner, Kelly Piquet—suggests he may have insights others lack. Still, some in the F1 community urge caution, interpreting his podcast comments as speculative rather than definitive.
Nevertheless, Piquet Jr.’s belief that Verstappen could partner with Antonelli in 2026 is a bold one, especially considering Antonelli’s ongoing development in Formula 2. But Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has repeatedly praised the young Italian’s talent and maturity, suggesting the team is confident in accelerating his F1 debut.
Whether Verstappen stays at Red Bull or makes the shock switch to Mercedes, the decision—expected in August—will have major implications for the grid in 2026 and beyond. Red Bull will likely do everything in their power to retain their star driver, while Mercedes seems prepared to reshuffle their line-up if it means securing one of the most dominant drivers of the modern era.
As the summer break approaches, all eyes will remain on Max Verstappen. And with Nelson Piquet Jr. teasing a possible switch, the speculation surrounding F1’s reigning champion is only getting more intense.
