Juan Pablo Montoya has weighed in on Max Verstappen's decision to commit to Red Bull until 2030. He believes it was a smart move to remain at the center of power rather than jump ship to a currently faster team.
Verstappen had been linked with several top teams, especially after Red Bull's fluctuating form this season. But the contract extension ahead of the Dutch GP marked a turning point, ending speculation about his future. Montoya sees the rumors as a negotiating tactic to secure a better deal.
“If I were Max, I would have stayed too. Red Bull is the right environment for him, and he is the right driver for them,” Montoya told BetBrothers. He added that the Milton Keynes team has built everything around Verstappen, making him the focal point of car development.
Interestingly, Montoya highlighted Red Bull's internal policy regarding new parts. He claims Verstappen often receives updates before his teammate. “Remember when Perez said Red Bull would be happy to field just one car? Many times, when updates come, Max gets them first,” he noted.
This is further evidenced by the difficulty in assessing Liam Lawson's performance at Monza. Montoya pointed out it's unclear if both cars were in the same specification, blurring performance comparisons. This suggests a clear priority in resource allocation within the team.
Verstappen's decision to stay can also be seen as an effort to rebuild Red Bull from within, rather than moving to a team at its peak. With technical regulations set to change in the coming years, stability and trust in the team become valuable assets.
For Red Bull, retaining Verstappen is a major win. The four-time world champion is not only fast but also wields significant influence over car development. Montoya stressed the team will do anything to keep him comfortable and competitive.
With a new contract tying him to the team until 2030, Verstappen and Red Bull are ready for a new era of Formula 1. If Montoya is right, this decision will lay the foundation for the Austrian team's resurgence.
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