Max Verstappen will leave Red Bull for Mercedes, claims Juan Pablo Montoya
Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes four-time world champion Max Verstappen will leave Red Bull to join Mercedes at the end of the current season.
Montoya is convinced that discussions between the 28-year-old and the Silver Arrows are already actively taking place.
The reigning constructors’ champions have endured a difficult start to their campaign, leaving them trailing significantly behind the frontrunners.
This poor form has fuelled intense speculation regarding the Dutch driver’s long-term future with the Milton Keynes-based outfit.
Wolff denies transfer rumours
Despite Montoya’s claims, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has moved to firmly deny any ongoing pursuit of the superstar driver.
Wolff insisted he is perfectly content with his current driver pairing of George Russell and highly-rated rookie Kimi Antonelli.
“Someone said that the Max discussions will eventually come back on the table again, but no, there are not any Max discussions.”
The Austrian executive highlighted that the age gap between Russell and Antonelli aligns perfectly with the team’s long-term strategy.
“I could not be happier with the two drivers that we have.”
Red Bull’s desperate retention bid
Mercedes originally attempted to sign the prodigious talent before his Formula 1 debut, but Red Bull ultimately secured his coveted signature.
Montoya now feels the reigning champions are incredibly vulnerable to losing their prized asset.
“I think Red Bull are in a position where whatever Max wants, they’ll say yes to make sure they don’t lose him.”
The Colombian told Spanish publication AS that a change of scenery is now almost inevitable.
“Now, I actually believe that whatever happens, they’re going to lose him.”
Clear contracts in place
Wolff remains completely resolute that his team’s driver line-up is permanently settled for the foreseeable future.
“The Max to Mercedes thing for now is not on.”
He added that George Russell has been part of their setup since 2017 and sees no reason why that relationship will not continue.
“The situation is completely transparent, and we have clear contracts with both drivers.”
