The ever-growing speculation that Max Verstappen is in talks with Mercedes about a switch from Formula 1 rivals Red Bull has been corroborated by one of his family members.
Verstappen has come under intense media scrutiny in regards to his future in the sport, after its current driver George Russell revealed he had opened conversations with the German marque.
Team Principal Toto Wolff fuelled rumours further after refusing to deny talks had taken place, with even further chatter triggered after it was revealed both his and Verstappen’s yachts were near each other in Sardinia.
And now a source has come forward to apparently confirm that Verstappen is talking to the Brackley-based squad: one of his close relations.
Nelson Piquet Jr, brother of Verstappen’s partner Kelly, has revealed that Verstappen is keeping his options open.
Speaking to the Pelas Pistas podcast, Piquet discussed Verstappen’s difficult British Grand Prix with host Thiago Alves, and made an interesting revelation.
“Who knows next year, with Max there…” he said, much to Alves’ surprise, adding: “They are talking, everyone knows right?”
Verstappen ‘will be’ on the grid in 2026, but with who?
Piquet continued that it appeared that Verstappen’s move to Mercedes is close, saying that it had reached the stage of contract negotiations, and intimated an agreement was close.
“Just missing final contract details,” he said, “but everyone knows that it’s an option. They are talking.”
Some previous speculation has suggested Verstappen could take a year out of F1 to survey his options further, but Piquet Jr confirmed he “will be” on the grid in 2026.
“Until August, he needs to have made a decision, they will either get the final details right or not,” he added. “But I think it would be pretty cool.”
When asked by Alves whether he meant it would be cool to “switch or to stay?” Piquet Jr responded: “To switch.”
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