Juan Pablo Montoya, a former F1 driver, believes it is highly likely that Max Verstappen will leave Red Bull in 2026 to join the Mercedes team. The Dutchman has often been linked to the Brackley team ahead of the new power unit regulations.
However, Juan Pablo Montoya thinks Verstappen’s move to Mercedes would most likely happen after the 2026 season, not before. According to the Colombian, Max Verstappen will first evaluate Red Bull’s project, and if it proves uncompetitive, he would be ready to leave Milton Keynes.
From 2026, Red Bull will also become a power unit manufacturer for the first time in the team’s history. Thanks to its agreement with Ford, Red Bull will finally be able to develop its own engines, albeit not without challenges. Recently, Christian Horner admitted there were delays in development but expressed confidence in the time available to the team.
Despite this time, many expect the Milton Keynes-based team to face initial difficulties. This, according to Montoya, is the main reason Verstappen might leave.
Juan Pablo Montoya’s statements
“I think Max Verstappen will end up leaving in a couple of years,” Juan Pablo Montoya revealed to *Instant Casino.* “He won’t leave the sport—he’s the best, after all. But he’ll leave Red Bull!”
“I don’t think it’s a particularly difficult step for him. Sure, it’s tough because he has always worked hard for Red Bull, and in some ways, he controls much of what happens there. But the big question is: ‘Will Max be willing to endure frustration if 2026 turns out to be a disaster? If Red Bull starts producing its own power units and isn’t where it should be, will Max be happy finishing 10th? No, I don’t think so.”
In Montoya’s view, an offer from Mercedes would instantly tempt Verstappen if Red Bull shows signs of struggle. The former Williams driver is convinced that Max is already exploring his options.
“If Mercedes came forward with an offer, Max Verstappen would jump ship immediately,” Juan Pablo Montoya concluded. “It’s very easy to stay loyal when you’re winning. If I were in his position, I’d already be thinking about it for sure. It would surprise me if he isn’t. Publicly, he says, ‘Absolutely not,’ but internally, I’d be shocked if there isn’t a question mark.”
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