"Things haven't gone smoothly for Mercedes this year," Piquet Jr. said on the Pelas Pista podcast. "But who knows what will happen this year, when Max will be racing there," he added, hinting at Verstappen's potential move.
The interviewer, surprised by Piquet Jr.'s statement, responded, "Oh, really?"
The former F1 driver explained that Verstappen is in negotiations with Mercedes and has almost reached an agreement. The two sides just need to agree on a few final details. "Verstappen won't rest, but will make a decision in August," Piquet Jr. added.
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Max Verstappen on the Silverstone circuit, UK, 6/7/2025. Photo: Reuters |
Max Verstappen on the Silverstone circuit, UK, 6/7/2025. Photo: Reuters
Piquet Jr., nicknamed Nelsinho, 39, is the son of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet. Nelsinho raced with Renault in the 2008 and 2009 F1 seasons, starting 28 races and achieving one podium finish. He has two younger sisters, Kelly and Julia.
Kelly, 36, dated former Red Bull driver Daniil Kvyat from 2017 to 2019. She publicized her relationship with Max Verstappen in 2020. In early May, Kelly and Max welcomed their first daughter, Lily.
Verstappen, 27, is the son of former F1 driver Jos Verstappen. He has been with Red Bull since the 2016 season and is under contract with the team until the end of the 2028 season. However, Max's relationship with the Austrian team has recently been strained, as the Red Bull car is no longer the strongest in F1. After four consecutive world championships from 2021 to 2024, Verstappen is likely to lose the title to a McLaren rival this season.
Nelsinho added that if Verstappen joins Mercedes, the Dutch driver would be teammates with Andrea Kimi Antonelli. This likely means that current Mercedes driver George Russell would leave the team. According to PlanetF1, Russell would replace Verstappen at Red Bull.
McLaren currently leads the F1 standings this season with 460 points after 12 races. Ferrari is second with 222 points, followed by Mercedes with 210 points and Red Bull with 172 points.
In the individual standings, McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris are first and second with 234 and 226 points, respectively. Verstappen is currently third with 165 points.
Xuan Binh (PlanetF1, Marca)
