In a shocking turn of events, rumors swirl around the potential move of F1 superstar Max Verstappen to Mercedes for the 2026 season. The speculation was ignited by none other than Nelson Piquet Jr, Verstappen’s brother-in-law, who initially claimed that the Red Bull driver was set to join the Mercedes team. However, Piquet Jr has now cast doubt on this claim, suggesting that Red Bull’s recent dismissal of team principal Christian Horner may have been a strategic move to retain Verstappen’s services.
Despite being under contract with Red Bull until 2028, Verstappen’s future has been the subject of intense scrutiny, with many speculating that he could make the switch to Mercedes as early as next season. Reports suggest that Verstappen may have the option to leave Red Bull if he falls below fourth place in the Drivers’ standings after the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The potential move to Mercedes would see Verstappen replace George Russell, who currently trails the Dutch driver by 18 points in the championship standings. Piquet Jr hinted that final contract details are being ironed out, but also raised the possibility that Verstappen may have already rejected Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.
Amidst rumors of a secret meeting between Verstappen and Wolff in Sardinia, Piquet Jr downplayed the significance of the encounter, stating that it could have simply been a coincidence. However, with Mercedes already making strides in preparation for the 2026 season, including advancements in sustainable fuels and aerodynamics, the team appears to be gearing up for a major shake-up.
On the other hand, Red Bull is set to produce its own engines for the first time in collaboration with Ford, as their current supplier Honda transitions to Aston Martin. While Red Bull team principal Christian Horner acknowledged the challenges of competing with Mercedes in the upcoming season, he remained confident in the team’s capabilities and long-term prospects with Verstappen at the helm.
As the F1 world eagerly awaits Verstappen’s decision, the potential move to Mercedes could have far-reaching implications for the sport. Will Verstappen make the switch and challenge Mercedes’ dominance, or will he stay loyal to Red Bull and help usher in a new era for the team? Only time will tell as the drama unfolds in the high-stakes world of Formula 1.
