For some time now, it has been speculated that Max Verstappen could only force Formula 1 season 2026 to say goodbye to Red Bull Racing. With Mercedes and Aston Martin, two teams are said to be very interested in the Dutch. Ex-F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya firmly expects the reigning world champion to change.
The latest development is “the beginning of the end of Max Verstappen at Red Bull. That is safe,” the 49-year-old said in conversation with “Plejmo.com“Even though the 27-year-old surprisingly drove to second place in the past GP of Saudi Arabia, Verstappen is probably not a candidate for the fight for the World Cup crown.
“This year is a small reality check. Max wants to win and if the Red Bull is not competitive, the negotiations look difficult. I think the conversations a year ago before he again signed at Red Bull, as Toto spoke very openly about the commitment of Max, it was very different,” said the Colombian.
Formula 1: Verstappen decision between coal and success?
Montoya therefore firmly calculates that Verstappen will decide to change air after the current season in Formula 1. “I would be amazed if Max were going for Red Bull next year,” he said, following: “There are two scenarios for Max. Want to win? Or does he want to earn a bunch of money and maybe win?”
If the Dutch opted for the success, then “he will go to Mercedes and convince you to take him. But if he may win and earn a lot of money, he should drive for Lawrence Stroll at Aston Martin,” stated the seven-time Grand Prix winner.
According to “Daily Mail”, the team owner even offered the superstar a billion -dollar deal. The mega contract should crack the billion mark in the total volume and with team shares. The racing team denied, but the rumors remained. The question is: make the British Verstappen a good offer that it simply cannot refuse? This always seems possible.