A figure close to Max Verstappen has reignited speculation about which team the four-time world champion will be driving for next year with an apparent slip of the tongue.
Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull through to 2028 on a five-year deal worth a reported $420 million, but the team’s slide out of title contention has given rise to the stunning scenario of the Dutchman quitting prematurely. His exit from Red Bull Racing would be facilitated by a performance clause in his paperwork, the existence of which former team principal Christian Horner has admitted to.
Earlier this month, Sky Italy reported that “concrete negotiations” between Verstappen and Mercedes had progressed to a point where they were “close” to agreeing a deal, though the Silver Arrows board was yet to make a decision.
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Speaking to Sky Sports, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff recently admitted that he was sounding out Verstappen’s availability.
“As a team principal responsible for the best car brand in the world, it is clear you’re exploring what a four-time world champion is going to do in the future,” he said.
“And that could be a long time in the future.
“But that has no effect on us putting a signature on George’s contract.”
Former F1 driver Nelson Piquet Jr, son of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet and Verstappen’s brother-in-law, was discussing Mercedes’ performance on the Pelas Pistas podcast, declaring Silverstone was “not the weekend” for the German outfit.
He continued: “Who knows next year, with Max there…”
However, Piquet Jr backtracked when he acknowledged the surprised reaction from podcast host Thiago Alves.
“They are talking. Everyone knows, right?” the Brazilian continued.
“Just missing the final contract details, but everyone knows that it’s an option. They are talking.”
Piquet Jr also revealed that Verstappen until August to make a final decision on where he would be driving next year.
“Until August, he needs to have made a decision, they will either get the final details right or not,” he said.
“But I think (moving to Mercedes) would be pretty cool.”
Last week, rumours of a private meeting between Wolff and Verstappen erupted when yachts belonging to the duo were located off the coast of Sardinia, with the Red Bull driver’s private jet also landing on the Italian island.
Meanwhile, long-serving Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner was sensationally sacked by the F1 team last week with immediate effect.
The F1 season resumes next weekend with the Belgian Grand Prix.