Max Verstappen insider reveals when Red Bull F1 star will decide on Mercedes switch

A close acquaintance of Max Verstappen has revealed when the four-time world champion will make his final decision on his future.

Verstappen has been the subject of strong rumours linking him with a move to Mercedes for next year, despite him having a contract with Red Bull that runs until the end of 2028.

That's because Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko seemingly revealed that there are certain exit clauses in Verstappen's contract, citing his future as of 'great concern', while Mercedes boss Toto Wolff confirmed that talks have been happening with Verstappen's team.

Verstappen has already confirmed that he will not take a sabbatical from F1, and now a former racer and close ally has suggested that the final decision on where he will race in 2026 will be made in August.

Nelson Piquet Jr raced in F1 in 2008 and 2009, and is also the brother of Verstappen's partner Kelly Piquet.

Speaking to the Pelas Pistas podcast, Piquet Jr revealed: "In 2026 Max will continue to race in F1, that's obvious. I think he will make a decision about his future in August.

"To know exactly what Verstappen's team will be next season, we will have to wait a few more weeks."

Will Verstappen make Mercedes switch?

While talks have been confirmed to be taking place, there has been no indication that Verstappen will leave Red Bull at the end of this season.

The Dutchman has only managed to claim two race victories so far in 2025, and is clearly driving the wheels off his RB21 to be able to be up in third in the drivers' championship.

But even that has not been enough. Verstappen is already 69 points behind McLaren's Oscar Piastri, with his hopes of claiming a record-equalling fifth consecutive title looking to be all but over.

It's Red Bull's lack of performance - and rumours that Mercedes are best placed to master the 2026 regulation changes - that has led to murmurings that Verstappen may be looking to quit Red Bull before the end of his contract.

Red Bull have recently axed long-serving team principal Christian Horner and replaced him with Laurent Mekies, as they look to prove to Verstappen that they can still help him to challenge for world championships in the years to come.

F1 HEADLINES: Horner's painful Red Bull admission surfaces as key timeline update issued

READ MORE: F1 2025 driver lineup: Big names on the move as full grid complete

READ MORE: The F1 move that could see Christian Horner work WITH Toto Wolff

READ MORE: F1 driver salaries: What stars including Hamilton and Verstappen earn

READ MORE: Oscar Piastri signs mid-season contract... but not with McLaren

Related

Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen 'will take' Red Bull exit but create new 'problem'

• 2 hours ago

Red Bull

F1 star says Max Verstappen conflict inevitable in tricky Red Bull environment

• July 15, 2025 13:55