Verstappen makes decision on future after Horner axe as brother-in-law speaks
The brother of Max Verstappen's long-term girlfriend has dropped a major hint that the Red Bull driver could be set to switch to Mercedes before the next season and has also dismissed the idea of Verstappen taking a break from F1. The rumour mill has been in overdrive for some time with talk of Verstappen making a move to Toto Wolff's team.
However, the unexpected dismissal of Red Bull boss Christian Horner this week has only added fuel to the fire that the four-time world champion might be on his way to join the Silver Arrows, potentially replacing the underperforming George Russell.
Mercedes had a day to forget at Silverstone last week, with Russell only managing to secure a P10 finish and Kimi Antonelli failing to complete the race due to a collision.
Red Bull didn't fare much better, as Verstappen crossed the line in fifth place, maintaining his third position in the drivers' standings but losing further ground to McLaren pair Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, who are currently sitting in first and second places respectively.
Verstappen has been in a relationship with Kelly Piquet since 2020, and her brother Nelson Piquet Jr., has now used his insider knowledge to shed some light on the F1 star's potential next career move.
Speaking on the Pelas Pistas Podcast, the former F1 driver was discussing the British Grand Prix and how close Verstappen, 27, is to jumping ship, reports the Express.
"There are some weekends when things just don't go your way, right?," Nelson said. "There's nothing you can do. One of the [Mercedes] drivers [Antonelli] is a rookie who also got hit from behind by [Racing Bulls driver, Isack] Hadjar. In any case, it just wasn't their [Mercedes] weekend. Who knows, maybe next year Max will be there."
He continued: "They're talking, everyone knows that. What remains to be seen is whether they'll come to an agreement contractually. But that is an option, everyone knows that. It's being discussed."
Both Antonelli and Russell are yet to sign fresh contracts with Mercedes, whilst team boss Wolff has been open about his ambition to secure Verstappen in what has become a highly public chase spanning several years.
Verstappen remains tied to Red Bull until 2028, though his contract contains escape clauses that could facilitate a swift departure to a rival outfit.
Nelson dismissed suggestions that Verstappen might step away from the sport temporarily next season, instead believing a crucial decision is imminent, whilst even offering his own forecast about who Verstappen might partner at Mercedes.
Discussing the rumours about Verstappen's future with Mercedes and the possibility of a break from F1, he added: "He will be there [F1]. I think by August he'll have made his decision. They'll either come to an agreement or not. That would be interesting. Ah, if he goes there, it will be Antonelli (who stays at Mercedes). It will definitely be Antonelli. Absolutely."
Red Bull announced Horner's dismissal from the team on Wednesday after a remarkable 20-year stint. A slump in form prompted the team to make changes as they fell to fourth in the Constructors' Championship, paving the way for Laurent Mekies to take over.
Despite whispers of tension between Horner and Verstappen, the Dutch champion took to social media to pay tribute to the 51-year-old following his exit.
Posting on X, Verstappen wrote: "From my first race win, to four world championships, we have shared incredible successes. Winning memorable races and breaking countless records. Thank you for everything, Christian!".
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Michael Schumacher's son Mick in talks over ‘incredible' F1 return after three years
Scroll down to see who the other candidates are TAKING THE MICK Michael Schumacher's son Mick in talks over 'incredible' F1 return after three years MICK SCHUMACHER has confirmed he is in talks to return to F1 with newcomers Cadillac. The son of legendary F1 driver Michael Schumacher could make a comeback next season having not raced in the sport since leaving Haas in 2022. 1 Mick Schumacher could return to F1 with Cadillac next season Credit: Getty He has also been a reserve driver for both Mercedes and McLaren - but was replaced by Valtteri Bottas as Merc driver at the end of last season. New General Motors-backed team Cadillac will be on the grid for the first time from 2026 and are finalising their line-up. The 26-year-old said: "Yes, of course, discussions are ongoing. The communication has been very positive so far. "They've already hired a fantastic number of people for it [the project]. It's an honour to be part of it, to negotiate with them, and a great position to be in." Ex-Red Bull driver Sergio Perez and Bottas are thought to be the favourites for the two Cadillac seats. But team boss Graeme Lowdon remains a huge admirer of Schumacher - who currently drives in the World Endurance Championship with Alpine. During him time in F1, Schumacher started 43 races. His best placing was a sixth place finish, while he only finished in the points twice. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Lowdon has also confirmed that "positive" discussions with Schumacher had taken place while on the High Performance podcast. He said: "Yeah, we're talking to Mick." Comedian given death stare after bodychecking Lewis Hamilton at F1 He also added on Sky Deutschland: "Mick is great. He's a very nice guy, I like him a lot. I've got to know him better now. "He's still young, but he already has F1 experience. Of course, that was a while ago, but he's kept himself up to date. "We really like that. We really like that. He is no stranger to the team. He knows where we stand. There are some positive things to say about Mick. "He is clearly one of the drivers on the list. But I should also say that the list is quite long." Lowdon has also previously confirmed that talks with Bottas have taken place. The Cadillac boss wants the team to make a statement in their first year and not just make up the numbers. He said: "Everyone wants to prove something else again. I never look at that as the biggest motivator. "Our team is not there as a vehicle for someone to prove a point. Our team is there to provide a position on the pitch, if you like. "For someone to prove what they can do for sure, but it's not the vehicle to show the world, prove a point, or whatever. "The driver is there to do the best that they possibly can for their team, and they should be motivated for the team around them as well. So, I'm less keen on people who kind of want to prove a personal point." When asked about the prospect of Perez joining the cause, Lowdon did not rule it out. He added: "Every single person, every name that you're going to read out, we're talking to everyone because everyone wants the drive."
The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
Michael Schumacher's son Mick in talks over ‘incredible' F1 return after three years
MICK SCHUMACHER has confirmed he is in talks to return to F1 with newcomers Cadillac. The son of legendary F1 driver Michael Schumacher could make a comeback next season having not raced in the sport since leaving Haas in 2022. 1 He has also been a reserve driver for both Mercedes and McLaren - but was replaced by Valtteri Bottas as Merc driver at the end of last season. New General Motors-backed team Cadillac will be on the grid for the first time from 2026 and are finalising their line-up. The 26-year-old said: "Yes, of course, discussions are ongoing. The communication has been very positive so far. "They've already hired a fantastic number of people for it [the project]. It's an honour to be part of it, to negotiate with them, and a great position to be in." Ex-Red Bull driver Sergio Perez and Bottas are thought to be the favourites for the two Cadillac seats. But team boss Graeme Lowdon remains a huge admirer of Schumacher - who currently drives in the World Endurance Championship with Alpine. During him time in F1, Schumacher started 43 races. His best placing was a sixth place finish, while he only finished in the points twice. Lowdon has also confirmed that "positive" discussions with Schumacher had taken place while on the High Performance podcast. He said: "Yeah, we're talking to Mick." He also added on Sky Deutschland: "Mick is great. He's a very nice guy, I like him a lot. I've got to know him better now. "He's still young, but he already has F1 experience. Of course, that was a while ago, but he's kept himself up to date. "We really like that. We really like that. He is no stranger to the team. He knows where we stand. There are some positive things to say about Mick. "He is clearly one of the drivers on the list. But I should also say that the list is quite long." Lowdon has also previously confirmed that talks with Bottas have taken place. The Cadillac boss wants the team to make a statement in their first year and not just make up the numbers. He said: "Everyone wants to prove something else again. I never look at that as the biggest motivator. "Our team is not there as a vehicle for someone to prove a point. Our team is there to provide a position on the pitch, if you like. "For someone to prove what they can do for sure, but it's not the vehicle to show the world, prove a point, or whatever. "The driver is there to do the best that they possibly can for their team, and they should be motivated for the team around them as well. So, I'm less keen on people who kind of want to prove a personal point." When asked about the prospect of Perez joining the cause, Lowdon did not rule it out. He added: "Every single person, every name that you're going to read out, we're talking to everyone because everyone wants the drive."
BBC News
7 hours ago
- BBC News
One man dies and woman taken to hospital in A605 crash
A 64-year-old man driving a BMW has died at the scene of a five-vehicle services were called to the A605 between Elton, Cambridgeshire, and Peterborough at 12:45 BST on Monday. The driver of the Mercedes, a woman in her 60s, was airlifted to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge with serious white BMW 320 collided with a Scania lorry heading in the opposite direction - the lorry then crashed into a red Ford Focus, a red Mercedes Vito and a black Skoda Octavia. Sgt Jamie Cooper, from Cambridgeshire Police's Road Policing Unit, said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who tragically lost his life in this collision. "His family are being supported by our family liaison officers."I would like to hear from anyone who saw the collision or has dashcam footage of the vehicles in the run up to it." Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
