Ex-Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes Max Verstappen will leave Red Bull and will already be having conversations with Mercedes. The four-time world champion has been linked with a move to the Silver Arrows team, with Toto Wolff a huge fan of the 28-year-old.
However, Montoya believes Verstappen has Red Bull in a position where they’ll meet his every demand, but their poor start to the season has left them some way off the pace.
Speaking to AS, Montoya said: « I think Red Bull are in a position where whatever Max wants, they’ll say yes to make sure they don’t lose him.
« 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.
« 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. »
Nevertheless, Mercedes chief Wolff has played down any speculation of a move for Verstappen, despite holding talks with the Dutch driver back in 2025.
Speaking to PA, Wolff said: « Someone said that the Max discussions will eventually come back on the table again. But no, there are not any Max discussions.
« 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.
« I respect Damon tremendously. I read his book, and I can relate to many things in his life. And he is a world champion, and there are not many that can say that.
« But on that particular topic, I wouldn’t have said it that way because George has been with us since 2017 and there is no reason why that shouldn’t keep going until 2037.
« The Max to Mercedes thing for now is not on. The situation is completely transparent. We have clear contracts with both drivers. »
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