Latest news with #Verstappen
Newsweek
7 hours ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Insider Claims Max Verstappen's Mercedes Move Is Almost Done
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Amid ongoing rumors about Max Verstappen's potential switch to Mercedes, Nelson Piquet Jr., the brother of Verstappen's partner Kelly Piquet, has made a bombshell revelation about Verstappen's Mercedes links. Speculation about the Dutch driver's Mercedes move began after George Russell admitted that his Mercedes contract extension was on hold due to the team's ongoing talks with Verstappen. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged the link but revealed that Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli will likely form the team's 2026 driver lineup. However, he didn't shy away from saying that Verstappen was definitely a priority option for the long-term future. Related: Flight Tracker Data Suggests Max Verstappen's Meeting With Mercedes Chief The likelihood of the four-time world champion's interest in Mercedes is high, given the challenges at Red Bull. The team has been struggling with the car since mid-2024, a stark contrast to 2023's dominant performance when Verstappen won 19 out of the 22 races. Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing walks in pit lane with George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo... Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing walks in pit lane with George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari on May 17, 2025 in Imola, Italy. MoreApart from the challenges with the RB21 F1 car, Red Bull is developing its own power units for the 2026 car in collaboration with Ford under the Red Bull Powertrains banner. However, with no proven track record of making powerful and reliable engines, Red Bull has a heavy weight on its shoulders, and Verstappen's confidence in the team's technical prowess is yet to be known. Especially after the sudden exit of former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, who was replaced by former Racing Bulls team boss Laurent Mekies last week. Piquet Jr. spoke on the Pelas Pista podcast after the British Grand Prix, revealing that Verstappen will be at Mercedes next year. Addressing the disappointing weekend for Mercedes at Silverstone, he said: "Who knows next year, with Max there..." Podcast host Thiago Alves couldn't believe what he had heard. Piquet Jr. then revealed further insider details. He said: "They are talking, everyone knows right? "Just missing final contract details, but everyone knows that it's an option. They are talking." Piquet Jr. then revealed that Verstappen is expected to make a decision about his Mercedes move by this August. He said: "Until August, he needs to have made a decision, they will either get the final details right or not. But I think it would be pretty cool." When Alves asked him if it was cool if he switched or if he stayed, Piquet Jr. said: "To switch." We should take this with a huge pinch of salt, but interesting to hear this from a family member. Related: Kimi Antonelli Breaks Silence after Verstappen's Strong Links to Mercedes
Newsweek
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
F1 Insider Tips Russell for Aston Martin Move If Verstappen Joins Mercedes
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Former Formula 1 driver and FIA steward Johnny Herbert has suggested that the best option for George Russell is to move to Aston Martin, in case Mercedes decides to replace him with Max Verstappen. Rumors made the rounds a few weeks ago that Aston Martin may be interested in signing the British driver. However, Russell emphasized that he was loyal to Mercedes, given the support he received from the outfit since his early days in F1. However, Russell didn't shy away from acknowledging Mercedes' ongoing talks with Verstappen. He admitted he is pushing harder and focusing on delivering his best this season, despite the uncertainty over his seat. Russell's current Mercedes contract expires at the end of 2025, and a contract extension is pending. Team principal Toto Wolff has acknowledged his interest in having Verstappen on board, but also pointed out it was less likely Verstappen would be at Mercedes next year. Wolff stressed that he hoped to sign the Dutch driver for the long-term future. Race winner George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team and Second placed Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing walk back from the Stewards Office during the F1... Race winner George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team and Second placed Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing walk back from the Stewards Office during the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 15, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec. MoreHowever, former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner's ousting last week might have changed the equation. While Verstappen pledged his loyalty to Red Bull a few weeks ago, it remains to be seen if Horner's exit has shaken his confidence in the team, especially with the onset of a new era of regulations in 2026, the year when Red Bull Powertrains introduces its own power units for the first time. Reports of Verstappen meeting Wolff off the coast of Sardinia add to rumors of Verstappen's potential move to Mercedes. Herbert reckons Russell has two options to remain in F1 if Verstappen moves to Mercedes: one is Aston Martin, given the rumors of the Silverstone-based team's interest, and the other is the Alpine F1 team. Speaking to Escapist Magazine, as quoted by Planet F1, Herbert said: "The potential for George Russell joining Aston Martin is still a possibility, I think there is an opportunity there for sure. Alpine is the only other one where there's a seat. "You don't want to do a sit-out year because that is normally the worst thing that you do because things move far too quickly in Formula 1, and you could very easily suddenly get sort of pushed aside, even if you are George Russell." Alpine is set to become a Mercedes customer team next year. However, Herbert advised that Russell should consider a move to Aston Martin over the option of becoming Pierre Gasly's teammate if Mercedes opts to replace him with Verstappen. The former FIA steward also presented another scenario that could play out. What if Aston Martin were to sign Verstappen? Herbert added: "I would hope a bit of common sense comes in and I hope George is the one that Aston Martin do choose if they [Mercedes] choose Max. If Aston Martin choose Max, George is the best option they've got for the future with Mercedes."
Newsweek
9 hours ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Fernando Alonso Champions Max Verstappen's 'Fighting' Spirit Amid Red Bull Woes
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Aston Martin Formula One driver Fernando Alonso has commented on Max Verstappen's fighting spirit, highlighting his urge to win, despite Red Bull's RB21 F1 car holding him back. The Spaniard admitted that Red Bull has not given Verstappen the best car to fight a championship battle. Red Bull dominated the current ground effect era that began in 2022, thanks in part to cars designed by aero guru Adrian Newey. The superior performance ensured the team won all but one Grand Prix the following year in 2023. However, Red Bull began experiencing balance problems on the RB20 F1 car after Newey announced his exit in mid-2024. McLaren Racing's resurgence around the same time meant Red Bull lost out on a constructors' championship victory, but Verstappen managed to win his fourth drivers' title. Fast forward to 2025, and one can see that car problems continue to affect the team's performance. Yuki Tsunoda, who was promoted to the seat alongside Verstappen early in the season, continues to find it challenging to adapt to the RB21. Verstappen has won only two races in the first ten Grands Prix of the season so far, a stark contrast to his seven wins from the first ten races last year. He secured P5 despite having dropped to P10 after spinning out in the previous round at Silverstone. Despite the car challenges, the Dutch driver is third in the Drivers' Standings below both McLaren drivers, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Fernando Alonso of Spain and Aston Martin F1 Team in parc ferme during Sprint qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at... Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Fernando Alonso of Spain and Aston Martin F1 Team in parc ferme during Sprint qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 02, 2025 in Miami, Florida. MoreAlonso praised Verstappen for his flawless performances while addressing his 2025 campaign. Speaking to DAZN, as quoted by Planet F1, he said: "I don't think much has changed this season compared to other seasons. I think Verstappen has had his best season to date every year. "In 2021, he stole the championship away from Lewis Hamilton and then he dominated for several years in a row. He didn't have the most dominant car last year and won the championship with several races to go. "This year, he may not even have a car that's one of the best two or three, but he's still fighting along. He always performs at the top level. It's another task for Red Bull to give him a car to fight for the championship. But there is no doubt about him." Adding to Red Bull's woes is the sudden ousting of team principal Christian Horner, who served the team for 20 years. He has been replaced by former Racing Bulls team boss Laurent Mekies. Given the problems with Red Bull's title challenger and Horner's exit last week, it remains to be seen how that will affect the team's performance for the remainder of the season, especially Verstappen, who is being linked to a potential move to Mercedes.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Kimi Antonelli Breaks Silence after Verstappen's Strong Links to Mercedes
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Mercedes Formula One driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli has broken his silence amid rumors of Max Verstappen's potential switch from Red Bull to Mercedes. Kimi Antonelli is reported to have signed a one-year deal with the Brackley-based outfit, which is set to expire at the end of this year. George Russell's claim about his contract extension being on hold due to Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff's ongoing talks with Verstappen triggered speculation about the possibility of Verstappen moving to Mercedes. Russell's contract is also set to expire at the end of 2025. While Wolff admitted that Russell and Kimi Antonelli would fill both seats at Mercedes next year, he didn't shy away from saying that he would keep tabs on Verstappen to potentially sign him in the future. Verstappen pledged his loyalty to Red Bull a few weeks ago, stressing that he wasn't switching teams. However, the sudden ousting of Red Bull team principal Christian Horner on Wednesday might have changed the situation. Third placed Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team talks with Second placed Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix... Third placed Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy and Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team talks with Second placed Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 15, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec. MoreIt is thought that Verstappen and Wolff met off the coast of Sardinia this week to hold further discussions, adding fuel to the speculation. Kimi Antonelli, who made his F1 debut in Australia this year, admitted that "there is a lot going on," but stressed that he would continue focusing on his performance. When asked if he received assurances from Mercedes about racing next year, he said: "I mean, obviously, there is a lot going on. But I am sure the team is doing their best to provide for the future as well, because they're obviously not just looking at next year, but also looking for the future as well. "There are a lot of talks going on, but my goal is just to try and do my best, no matter what." Kimi Antonelli went on to confirm that he wasn't holding talks with any other team. Predicting a rough road for Red Bull, given Horner's exit and ongoing challenges with the RB21 F1 car, former FIA steward Johnny Herbert said Mercedes would likely be Verstappen's preference. He said: "It sounds very much so, that the Mercedes thing is where he's probably going to end up. So, it's probably not a surprise everything with Christian anyway." Hinting at key Red Bull exits since mid-2024, he added: "Now, it's going to be a really difficult period for them [Red Bull], because obviously, with all the changes, with Jonathan [Wheatley] and Adrian [Newey] and a few other people, and of course, with Christian as well. "It's in a very precarious position at the moment, because, like anything in Formula 1, you've got to be able to have the right ingredients, which includes personnel, direction, and that's all been slowly, sort of eroded away. "And then you've got the performances on the track at the end of the day, and a probably not so happy Max, definitely not a happy Jos, but it's probably not a happy Max. "Because Max, as you know, wants to be in a situation of winning races and a world championship, and that sort of, again, slowly, sort of eroded away over the last, what, year and a half, I guess."
First Post
2 days ago
- Sport
- First Post
Christian Horner Sacked by Red Bull, Verstappen the Real Reason?
Christian Horner Sacked by Red Bull, Verstappen the Real Reason? | First Sports With Rupha Ramani Christian Horner Sacked by Red Bull, Verstappen the Real Reason? | First Sports With Rupha Ramani | N18G In a shocking move, Red Bull have SACKED team principal Christian Horner after nearly two decades at the helm. The mastermind behind the team's dominance with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen is gone — without an explanation. But is this really about performance or pressure from the Verstappen camp? With Red Bull falling behind in both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships, and tensions boiling over after the recent scandal, Rupha Ramani breaks down the power play that may have pushed Horner out — and why this might be a desperate move to keep Verstappen from jumping ship to Mercedes. Did Red Bull choose glory over loyalty and was Horner a scapegoat to save Max? See More
