As rumors of Max Verstappen leaving for McLaren grow, Juan Pablo Montoya believes the four-time world champion could be taking a risk by leaving Red Bull.
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Speculation about Max Verstappen’s future shows no signs of slowing down. According to several reports, the Dutchman is in advanced talks with
McLaren for the 2027 season, a prospect that is fueling much debate in the paddock.
Among the voices that have spoken on the subject is Juan Pablo Montoya. The former Formula 1 driver believes Verstappen should think twice before turning his back on Red Bull, reminding that a team change does not always mean success.
Montoya warns Verstappen
Invited to discuss the transfer rumors on his podcast MontoyAS, the Colombian wondered if a move to McLaren would really be the best option for the world champion.
According to him, the first question is where Verstappen could actually find a more favorable situation than the one he already knows.
“The million-dollar question is this: if Max were to leave, where would he go? Mercedes? From what I hear, George Russell is already confirmed to be there next season.”
Montoya believes the Red Bull driver would not necessarily come out ahead.
“If you are already better than the competition, leaving doesn’t really make sense. As they say, the grass isn’t always greener elsewhere. From afar, everything looks great, but once you’re there, you can quickly wonder if you made the right decision.”
An exit clause still at the heart of discussions
Verstappen’s future remains closely linked to his exit clause. According to several reports circulated in recent weeks, the Dutchman could leave Red Bull if he is not in one of the top two positions in the drivers’ championship at the time of the summer break.
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Before the Belgian Grand Prix, the four-time world champion is 78 points behind second place, with only 50 points left to be awarded before the break. Under these conditions, this clause could be activated.
Rumors also mention a meeting between Red Bull executives and the Verstappen camp, during which the team allegedly offered financial compensation to remove this clause. An offer the driver reportedly refused, although this information has never been officially confirmed.
Red Bull determined to keep its star
Montoya nevertheless says he understands both points of view.
On one hand, Red Bull naturally wants to keep its star driver after building its sporting project around him for several years.
“It is said that Mark Mateschitz is upset because Max refuses to commit definitively while Red Bull offers him everything, in addition to his salary. They find it frustrating that he does not guarantee his future to them.”
But the former Grand Prix winner also believes Verstappen is mainly trying to keep pressure on his team to continue developing the RB22.
“In my opinion, Max mainly wants to push Red Bull to keep improving the car. But if you look at the start of the season and the current situation, it is probably the team that has developed its car the most. Under these conditions, it becomes difficult to complain.”
While talks with McLaren do seem to exist, no official decision has yet been announced. The Verstappen saga should therefore continue to animate the driver market in the coming weeks.
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