'Everyone knows, right?': Max Verstappen to Mercedes rumours explode after three-word slip
A slip of the tongue from a figure close to Max Verstappen has given the biggest indication yet that the Dutchman is on his way to Mercedes next year.
In a British Grand Prix review episode of the Pelas Pistas podcast, Nelson Piquet Jr seemingly made the admission in a discussion about Mercedes' performance.
Speaking Portuguese, the Brazilian said Silverstone was "not the weekend" for the German outfit, and then continued: "who knows next year, with Max there...".
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A surprised reaction from the host prompted Piquet Jr to backtrack somewhat.
"They are talking. Everyone knows, right?" He said.
Max Verstappen has been linked to a move to Mercedes. Getty
"Just missing the final contract details, but everyone knows that it's an option. They are talking."
Piquet Jr is himself a former F1 driver, and the son of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet.
Crucially, he is also Verstappen's brother-in-law – the Dutchman and Piquet Jr's sister Kelly welcomed a daughter, Lily, earlier this year.
Verstappen's links to Mercedes strengthened further this week when two yachts owned by he and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff were both spotted off the coast of Sardinia. Verstappen's private jet was later tracked landing on the Italian island, sparking rumours of a private meeting.
Nelson Piquet Jr, Nelson Piquet, Verstappen and Kelly Piquet ahead of the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix at Sao Paulo. Getty
With Verstappen's earlier mooted move to Aston Martin seemingly going cold, the tri-star has emerged as the leading contender for his signature.
When pushed further to confirm whether or not Verstappen would be on the grid in 2026, Piquet confirmed he would be, and he had an August deadline to make a final decision where he's driving.
"Until August, he needs to have made a decision, they will either get the final details right or not," he said.
"But I think (moving to Mercedes) would be pretty cool."
The timing of Piquet Jr's comments came days after long-term Red Bull team principal Christian Horner was sensationally sacked. What impact his exit has on Verstappen's plans for 2026 remain unclear.
Some sections of the media are reporting it comes after Verstappen gave Red Bull bosses a 'me or him' ultimatum, while others are reporting it's as a result of Verstappen having already told the team he will be leaving at the end of the year.
Red Bull's first race ever race without Christian Horner as team principal will be at the Belgian Grand Prix next weekend.
