The brother of Max Verstappen’s long-term companion has hinted that the Purple Bull star is prone to be part of Mercedes forward of subsequent season and will not be taking a sabbatical from F1
The brother of Max Verstappen’s long-term girlfriend has dropped a serious trace that the Purple Bull driver might be set to change to Mercedes earlier than the following season and has additionally dismissed the thought of Verstappen taking a break from F1. The hearsay mill has been in overdrive for a while with speak of Verstappen making a transfer to Toto Wolff’s staff.
Nevertheless, the surprising dismissal of Purple Bull boss Christian Horner this week has solely added gas to the fireplace that the four-time world champion may be on his approach to be part of the Silver Arrows, doubtlessly changing the underperforming George Russell.
Mercedes had a day to neglect at Silverstone final week, with Russell solely managing to safe a P10 end and Kimi Antonelli failing to finish the race as a result of a collision.
Purple Bull did not fare significantly better, as Verstappen crossed the road in fifth place, sustaining his third place within the drivers’ standings however dropping additional floor to McLaren pair Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, who’re at present sitting in first and second locations respectively.
Verstappen has been in a relationship with Kelly Piquet since 2020, and her brother Nelson Piquet Jr., has now used his insider information to shed some mild on the F1 star’s potential subsequent profession transfer.
Talking on the Pelas Pistas Podcast, the previous F1 driver was discussing the British Grand Prix and the way shut Verstappen, 27, is to leaping ship, studies the Categorical.
“There are some weekends when issues simply do not go your means, proper?,” Nelson mentioned. “There’s nothing you are able to do. One of many [Mercedes] drivers [Antonelli] is a rookie who additionally obtained hit from behind by [Racing Bulls driver, Isack] Hadjar. In any case, it simply wasn’t their [Mercedes] weekend. Who is aware of, perhaps subsequent 12 months Max shall be there.”
He continued: “They’re speaking, everybody is aware of that. What stays to be seen is whether or not they’ll come to an settlement contractually. However that’s an possibility, everybody is aware of that. It is being mentioned.”
Each Antonelli and Russell are but to signal recent contracts with Mercedes, while staff boss Wolff has been open about his ambition to safe Verstappen in what has develop into a extremely public chase spanning a number of years.
Verstappen stays tied to Purple Bull till 2028, although his contract comprises escape clauses that might facilitate a swift departure to a rival outfit.
Nelson dismissed options that Verstappen would possibly step away from the game quickly subsequent season, as a substitute believing an important determination is imminent, while even providing his personal forecast about who Verstappen would possibly companion at Mercedes.
Discussing the rumours about Verstappen’s future with Mercedes and the opportunity of a break from F1, he added: “He shall be there [F1]. I feel by August he’ll have made his determination. They’re going to both come to an settlement or not. That may be attention-grabbing. Ah, if he goes there, will probably be Antonelli (who stays at Mercedes). It’s going to undoubtedly be Antonelli. Completely.”
Purple Bull introduced Horner’s dismissal from the staff on Wednesday after a outstanding 20-year stint. A droop in type prompted the staff to make adjustments as they fell to fourth within the Constructors’ Championship, paving the way in which for Laurent Mekies to take over.
Regardless of whispers of pressure 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 4 world championships, we now have shared unbelievable successes. Successful memorable races and breaking numerous data. Thanks for every thing, Christian!”.
