Former F1 Star Montoya Predicts Verstappen's Move to Mercedes
Juan Pablo Montoya, the former Formula 1 driver, has made a bold declaration regarding the future of four-time world champion Max Verstappen. Montoya is convinced that Verstappen will depart Red Bull Racing at the conclusion of the current season and believes that substantive talks with Mercedes are already in progress.
Red Bull's Disappointing Start Fuels Speculation
Montoya points to Red Bull's underwhelming performance at the beginning of the season as a critical factor. The team has fallen significantly behind the frontrunners, which he suggests has placed Verstappen in a commanding position. "I think Red Bull are in a position where whatever Max wants, they'll say yes to make sure they don't lose him," Montoya stated in an interview with AS. However, he added, "Now, I actually believe that whatever happens, they're going to lose him. Max is going to want to be at Mercedes next year... I think that conversation has already started."
He further elaborated that discussions between Verstappen and Mercedes were not concluded last year and expressed his view that the likelihood of Verstappen remaining with Red Bull for the next season is very low. This speculation is intensified by Mercedes' historical interest in Verstappen, having attempted to sign him before his F1 career began, only to be outmaneuvered by Red Bull.
Mercedes Boss Wolff Attempts to Quell Rumours
In contrast, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has actively sought to dampen the swirling rumours. Despite acknowledging past discussions with Verstappen in 2025, Wolff has publicly downplayed any ongoing negotiations. Speaking to PA, Wolff asserted, "Someone said that the Max discussions will eventually come back on the table again. But no, there are not any Max discussions."
Wolff expressed strong satisfaction with his current driver lineup, which includes George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, both of whom have made impressive starts to the campaign. "I could not be happier with the two drivers that we have. The positioning of the two, with the age gap and how it aligns well with our strategy, means there are not any discussions," he explained. He also reaffirmed the team's commitment to Russell, noting his long tenure since 2017 and potential future with the team.
Wolff concluded definitively, "The Max to Mercedes thing for now is not on. The situation is completely transparent. We have clear contracts with both drivers." This statement aims to provide clarity amidst the persistent speculation, though Montoya's claims suggest a different narrative behind the scenes.
Historical Context and Future Implications
The potential move carries significant weight in the F1 world. Verstappen, at 28 years old, is a dominant force, and Wolff has long been known as a major admirer. A switch to Mercedes could reshape the competitive landscape, especially if Red Bull continues to struggle. Montoya's insights, based on his experience and connections within the sport, add credibility to the rumours, even as official sources deny them.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Verstappen's performance and any further indications of his future plans. The conflicting reports from Montoya and Wolff highlight the high-stakes nature of driver negotiations in Formula 1, where public statements often mask private deliberations.
