URGENT UPDATE: Former Formula One driver Juan Pablo Montoya has revealed that Red Bull Racing could face dire consequences if star driver Max Verstappen chooses to leave the team. This news comes amid swirling rumors linking the four-time world champion to a potential move to Mercedes F1.
Just moments ago, George Russell, a current driver for Mercedes, confirmed that his contract extension talks are on hold due to ongoing negotiations with Verstappen. Russell, whose contract expires at the end of 2025, reaffirmed his loyalty to Mercedes but admitted he is not in talks with other teams on the grid.
Verstappen’s recent struggles with Red Bull’s RB21 have significantly affected his championship standing, now placing him 69 points behind current leader Oscar Piastri with just 165 points in total. The uncertainty surrounding the team has intensified following the recent departure of team principal Christian Horner and the impending shift in regulations for 2026, when Red Bull plans to introduce its own power units in collaboration with Ford.
Montoya emphasized that Verstappen is pivotal to Red Bull’s performance, stating, “Max is worth as much as half to two-thirds of the entire grid.” He highlighted that without Verstappen, Red Bull would need to invest heavily in two strong drivers to match the points he currently brings in alone.
Speaking to AS Colombia, Montoya remarked, “If they lose Max, they will really need to invest in two drivers and try to get the same number of points with those two that Max gets on his own.” His comments underscore the immense pressure Red Bull faces as they navigate this turbulent period.
Meanwhile, Verstappen’s teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, is also grappling with the challenges of the RB21, managing only 10 points through the first 12 races of the season, placing him at 17th in the Drivers’ Standings.
Montoya addressed the future of Red Bull’s junior drivers, including Arvid Lindblad and Isack Hadjar, but expressed skepticism about their readiness to fill Verstappen’s shoes. He stated, “I wouldn’t give Hadjar a seat either. He needs to gain more confidence first. He is doing very well in his first season, but I think he needs at least one more year at Racing Bulls.”
As Red Bull braces for potential upheaval, all eyes are on Verstappen’s next move. The team must consider the implications of losing their star driver, as Montoya warns that they may struggle to maintain their competitive edge without him.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as the future of Red Bull Racing hangs in the balance.
