Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has expressed shock at the prospect of Max Verstappen remaining with Red Bull Racing for the 2026 season.
Red Bull Racing have faced a turbulent start to the 2025 season, despite Verstappen’s victory in Japan. A challenging weekend in Bahrain highlighted vulnerabilities, fueling rumors of a potential exit.
Over the past year, Verstappen has been repeatedly linked with a departure from the Milton Keynes-based team, with fresh reports suggesting a release clause could be activated if he falls below third in the drivers’ championship by the summer break.
“I’d be amazed if Max is driving for Red Bull next year,” Montoya said in an interview with Plejmo, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding the four-time world champion’s future.
Team advisor Helmut Marko has acknowledged that Verstappen’s future could dominate discussions around the summer, adding weight to the speculation. Posts on X have echoed this sentiment, with fans and insiders debating whether Verstappen will stay or seek a new challenge.
Two teams have emerged as potential destinations: Mercedes and Aston Martin.
Mercedes, led by Toto Wolff, previously pursued Verstappen but have since tempered their approach. “We are no longer trying to sign him,” Wolff said earlier this year. With both George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli out of contract at season’s end, however, the Brackley-based team remain a viable option.
Aston Martin, meanwhile, are an intriguing prospect, bolstered by the arrival of former Red Bull technical guru Adrian Newey, who is spearheading their 2026 car design.
Montoya suggested Verstappen faces a clear choice: prioritize victories or chase a lucrative deal.
“There are two paths for Max,” Montoya said. “If he wants to win, he’ll convince Toto to take him at Mercedes. If he wants a chance to win and make serious money, he’ll join Lawrence Stroll at Aston Martin.”
As the paddock prepares for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on April 20, 2025, at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, all eyes are on Verstappen. Will the reigning champion stay loyal to Red Bull Racing, or is a blockbuster move on the horizon? The Formula 1 world awaits answers.
