The Mercedes-Verstappen Rumour Mill

 

Last week, we posted photos of Nico Hulkenberg and reported on the feel-good factor following Hulkenberg's first Podium and how the team celebrated. 

After Silverstone, we were all smiles and happy about Lando Norris, a Brit, winning the Grand Prix, and how the battle between Oscar and Lando is going head-to-head, keeping F1® extremely exciting. But then it hit us, the Formula 1® paddock is a notoriously leaky place, especially when it comes to driver contracts and future moves.

As Max Verstappen reportedly weighs his options for the radical F1® 2026 reset – the choice between his long-time Red Bull home and a sensational switch to Mercedes – one insider has dropped a claim that has sent shockwaves through the sport: that Max will be "with" the Brackley squad next season. But was it a slip of the tongue, a poor choice of words, or a truly revealing mistake?

The claim comes from none other than Nelson Piquet Jr., the brother of Max's partner Kelly Piquet. 

During a recent appearance on the Brazilian "Pelas Pista" podcast, while discussing Mercedes' performance at the British Grand Prix, Piquet Jr. casually remarked: "Who knows next year, with Max there..." 

The podcast host's reaction of disbelief only seemed to prompt Piquet Jr. to double down, stating, "They are talking, everyone knows, right? We're just missing the final contract details, but everyone is aware that it's an option. They are talking." He even suggested Max would make a decision by August.. It's comments like this that make me think the writing is on the wall for George.

This bombshell from someone so closely connected to the Verstappen camp has naturally reignited the speculation that has quietly simmered for months. Mercedes, for their part, have maintained a careful stance and with George Russell's unsigned contract, it further ignites the fire. 

While Toto Wolff has publicly admitted to "conversations" with Verstappen, he typically balances this with affirmations about his current lineup. Indeed, after Max reaffirmed his commitment to Red Bull by securing a fourth successive World Championship title in 2024, Mercedes moved to sign their highly rated protégé Andrea Kimi Antonelli on a one-year confirmed deal.

Red Bull's Shifting Sands

The backdrop to this driver market drama is the fact that Red Bull’s iron grip on Formula 1® appears to have loosened. 

After winning both championship titles and securing a dominant one-two in the Drivers' standings in 2023, the team has fallen to fourth in the Constructors' Championship this year. While reigning champion Max Verstappen still sits third in the Drivers' standings, having scored all but seven of Red Bull's points, the RB21 has proven to be an incredibly challenging car for any other driver to consistently master. 

This undoubtedly contributes to the frustration within the Red Bull camp, especially since Verstappen has committed to the team through to the end of the 2028 F1® season.

However, the 27-year-old Dutchman could, theoretically, walk away by activating a performance clause in his contract. Reports suggest this clause might allow him to leave if he is lower than fourth in the Drivers’ Championship after next month’s Hungarian Grand Prix.

The F1® world is watching this high-stakes game of chess with bated breath. A potential move of this magnitude would redefine the grid for years to come.

And as always, when the lights go out and the drama unfolds, here at Senate Grand Prix, there is only one winner, and that's you, the race fans!