Is Max Verstappen moving to Mercedes or not? While there has been no official announcement from either the Verstappen camp or the Silver Arrows themselves, Verstappen’s ‘brother-in-law’ Nelson Piquet Junior has let slip that the Dutchman will likely be driving for Mercedes next year. The world champion would then become the teammate of rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Former Formula 1 driver Nelson Piquet Junior was a guest on the Pelas Pistas podcast, where, of course, the future of his ‘brother-in-law’ Max Verstappen in Formula 1 was also discussed. Verstappen is in a relationship with Kelly Piquet, the sister of Piquet Junior. When the conversation turned to Mercedes’ chances in 2026, the year the new regulations come into effect, the former Formula 1 driver misspoke.
“There are weekends this year when things just aren’t going well for Mercedes,” Piquet Junior begins his analysis of the Silver Arrows. “There’s not much that can be done about that. One of their drivers is a rookie, who unfortunately was hit by Isack Hadjar last weekend (at Silverstone). In any case, it was not a good weekend for Mercedes. But who knows what will happen next year, when Max is driving there.”
Decision Expected in August
Of course, Piquet Junior was immediately confronted by the podcast host about his slip of the tongue. The son of world champion Nelson Piquet then emphasized that no contract has been signed yet, but that Mercedes would be a logical choice for his ‘brother-in-law’. Piquet Junior does not see George Russell taking a sabbatical. “He will definitely be racing in Formula 1 in 2026,” the former driver continues. “I think he will make a decision in August.”
If Verstappen indeed chooses Mercedes, Piquet Junior also knows who the Dutchman would have as a teammate. “That would be Kimi Antonelli. If Max moves there, Antonelli will be his teammate.” However, current Mercedes driver George Russell previously expressed confidence that he will also be with the Silver Arrows next year. “The chance that I won’t be at Mercedes next year is exceptionally small,” the Brit said in Silverstone.
