Max Verstappen makes huge decision on future as brother-in-law makes Mercedes admission

The brother of Max Verstappen's long-term partner has hinted that the Red Bull star is likely to join Mercedes ahead of next season and won't be taking a sabbatical from F1. Speculation over Verstappen defecting to Toto Wolff's team has been rife for some time. However, the shock sacking of Red Bull chief Christian Horner this week has only emboldened the rumours that four-time world champion could be headed to the Silver Arrows to displace the struggling George Russell.

Mercedes had an afternoon to forget at the Silverstone last week with Russell finishing P10 while Kimi Antonelli did not finish the race after a collision. Red Bull also endured a miserable afternoon as Verstappen finished fifth to keep his grip on third in the drivers standings, but ultimately lost more ground behind McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, who hold first and second respectively. Max has been dating Kelly Piquet since 2020, and her brother Nelson Piquet Jr. has now used his close proximity to Verstappen to shed light on the F1 icon's next big career move.

Speaking on the , the former F1 driver was discussing the British Grand Prix and just how close Verstappen, 27, is to jumping ship.

"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 added: "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."

Antonelli and Russell are yet to pen new deals at Mercedes, while team principal Wolff has made no secret about his desire to land Verstappen in what's been a very public pursuit over the last few years. Meanwhile, Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until 2028, but has clauses in his deal which could allow him to make a hasty exit to another team.

Nelson poured cold water on the theory that Verstappen could take a sabbatical from the sport next season and instead believes a decision is looming, while even casting his prediction on who Verstappen will link up with at Mercedes.

Commenting further on the Mercedes speculation and whether Verstappen might take a sabbatical from F1, as was claimed earlier this year, he said: "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."

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Red Bull confirmed that Horner would leave the team on Wednesday after 20 years. A decline in performance forced the team into action after they dropped to fourth in the Constructors' Championship standings, with Laurent Mekies now set to step in.

Despite rumours of a less than healthy relationship between Horner and Verstappen, the Dutch star did take to social media to commemorate the 51-year-old's departure. Posting on X he said: "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!"