- Montoya believes Verstappen to Mercedes is inevitable despite Red Bull’s efforts.
- Former driver claims conversations about joining Mercedes have started.
- Frustration with ‘undrivable car’ may trigger Verstappen performance exit clause.
Juan Pablo Montoya, a former McLaren and Williams driver, claimed that Red Bull might lose Max Verstappen next year to Mercedes. Following the continued disappointment Verstappen faced since the beginning of this F1 season, several rumours have connected him to the German team.
However, Wolff debunked that speculation, revealing that both his drivers, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, are on multi-year contracts and he isn’t looking forward to terminating a seat. He also expressed that “he could not be happier” with the duo.
The Japanese GP weekend is here, and Red Bull doesn’t appear to have improved much, as the growing frustrations around the ‘undrivable’ car have continued for Verstappen. In the quali, he was knocked off in Q2, with his teammate Isack Hadjar making it to the top 10 in Q3. He will start from P11 tomorrow on the grid.
Red Bull to lose Verstappen?
In a conversation with AS, Montoya explained where Red Bull stands currently with Verstappen. He revealed that the team would do anything to keep the 4-time world champion. Despite their best efforts to prevent losing him, Montoya claims that his shift to another team is inevitable under any circumstances. He stated, “Max is going to want to be at Mercedes next year… I think that conversation has already started.”
Last year, Wolff revealed that he spoke with Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, about the Dutchman’s potential move to their team. During that discussion, he jokingly said that waiting until 2027 could give Mercedes an upper hand.
Believing that Verstappen’s shift could possibly happen, Montoya further added, “Last year, [their talks] were not even over yet. But I wouldn’t be surprised if the chances of Max being at Red Bull next year are very slim.”
Loyalty or smart switch – what will Verstappen choose?
Verstappen came in as a replacement at Red Bull but soon became irreplaceable, breaking numerous records, bringing multiple championship titles home, and delivering some of the most defining moments on track.
Last year, even when it seemed nearly impossible to catch up on more than a 100-point deficit, he and the team made sure to make a stronger comeback, which even threatened the McLarens till the very last grand prix in Abu Dhabi. Although he couldn’t get his 5th WDC, the grit that Verstappen showcased throughout the season was irreplicable.
However, under the new regs, Verstappen and Red Bull are clearly struggling, as evident by their lacklustre performance across the last two grand prixs, placing the team 5th in constructors’ standings. Verstappen currently stands 8th in the championship.
With the Dutchman’s growing frustration, the pressure is building up on the team to deliver a competitive car that helps him climb the ranks after the disappointing season start. If they are unable to, it might trigger his performance clause, which clearly states that he can find potential prospects for a switch.
Given the car Mercedes developed under these new regulations, it could be a good option for Verstappen to consider and start a new era with the Silver Arrows. However, it remains to be seen what call Verstappen takes as the season moves forward — will he stick to loyalty or explore options?
