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It’s confirmed: Max Verstappen will race for Mercedes in 2026

by Jorge Majdalani
07/11/2025 12:20

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The future of Max Verstappen is heating up again. The Dutchman has a contract with Red Bull until 2028, but his agreement with Red Bull has a clause that would allow him to leave. And now, beyond the rumors, everything is falling into place for the driver to have already made up his mind and finally sign with Mercedes.

Nelson Piquet Jr., driver and brother-in-law of Verstappen, reveals that he will drive for Mercedes in 2026: “When Max races there…”

At least, that is what has been revealed after some revealing words from Nelson Piquet Jr., who is now Max Verstappen’s brother-in-law. The former teammate of Fernando Alonso at Renault in 2008 and 2009 has spoken about the current state of the competition.

When talking about the British Grand Prix and Mercedes, the Brazilian dropped the bombshell: “It wasn’t a good weekend for Mercedes.

But who knows what will happen next year when Max races there,” he revealed, almost unintentionally, on a Brazilian podcast.

The truth is that Mercedes already tried to sign him last season, and in 2025 history is repeating itself. Although the driver has a contract with the energy drink team until 2028, Mercedes wants him to team up with Kimi Antonelli.

Mercedes wants to sign Verstappen and pair him with Antonelli

It’s not an easy move, far from it. But the interest is there and the rumors are growing. And while Horner’s dismissal might seem to make his future at Red Bull a little more secure, his current team could be left reeling by Nelson Piquet Jr.’s comments.

Piquet’s slip-up on the Pelas Pistas podcast caused the interviewer to react with disbelief and silence fell over the room seconds later, although the Brazilian softened his statement: “They’re talking about it all the time, it remains to be seen if they’ll finally do it.”

What was unanimously perceived as an indiscretion by Max Verstappen’s relative further fuels rumors about what would be the big transfer of the next market. The son of the three-time F1 world champion also revealed when the final decision will be announced: “I think he will make a decision in August,” he ultimately revealed about the future of the four-time world champion.

He could reveal his decision in August

Here, the champion seems to be weighing up options outside Red Bull after a disastrous last season for the Austrian team. Verstappen’s genius has managed to cover up the shortcomings of a car that is not performing as it should, although Max does not seem satisfied with his current situation as he looks for teams that can offer him greater guarantees for 2026. And Mercedes could be the ideal option for him.

In the Brazilian’s opinion, he also ventures to talk about who he would share a pit with in the silver arrow team: “He’s going to race in Formula 1 in 2026, no matter what. If Max goes there, his teammate will be Antonelli.”

pic.twitter.com/G3cCH79oC5

— PirelliLowcost (@Pirellilowcost) July 10, 2025

What is certain is that the Brazilian’s slip-up could fuel the rumour mill even further and, in doing so, open up a rift at Mercedes over George Russell’s hypothetical departure from the German team. On the other hand, Max’s contract with the Austrians expires in 2028.

Therefore, Verstappen’s future at Red Bull seems increasingly uncertain, while a possible move to Mercedes is gaining momentum. For years, Toto Wolff has wanted to have the four-time champion in his ranks, whom he already tried to sign as a teenager driving in F3. Toto has never made a secret of this and has always tried to persuade him whenever he has had the opportunity. Last season, after Lewis Hamilton’s departure, Wolff tried to sign the Dutchman, but without success. This could change by 2026, coinciding with a key moment for Formula 1, such as the introduction of new rules for the competition. In fact, it is thought that Mercedes could be ahead of the rules, while Red Bull and its partnership with Ford are not so far ahead…

Disclaimer: This is a journalistic article and may contain inaccuracies. Our content is based on information gathered from official sources and reputable media outlets. For more details, please refer to our Disclaimer Page.

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