Montoya: Verstappen-Red Bull Is Just About Money, Won't Move to Mercedes or McLaren

Juan Pablo Montoya has a clear view on Max Verstappen's future at Red Bull. In his opinion, all the negotiation drama that has dominated the summer is really about one thing: money.

The former Williams and McLaren driver told Betpack that Verstappen is not genuinely considering leaving Red Bull. Despite the team's winless streak in 2026, Montoya believes the Dutchman is simply using the situation to strengthen his bargaining position.

“It's always about money,” Montoya said. “Is Verstappen talking to other teams to drive up the price, or does he really want to leave? I think what matters most is being the undisputed number one in the garage.”

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Montoya explicitly dismissed the possibility of Verstappen moving to Mercedes or McLaren. At Mercedes, he noted, Verstappen would have to share the spotlight with Kimi Antonelli, Toto Wolff's protege. At McLaren, the bond between Zak Brown and Lando Norris is already too strong to disrupt.

“I wouldn't go to Mercedes to try to become the king of a jungle where Antonelli is Wolff's favorite,” Montoya asserted. “Wolff wouldn't sacrifice Antonelli for Verstappen. He'd be happy to have both, but I'm not sure Verstappen is ready for that challenge.”

Montoya also recalled Red Bull's internal dynamics in 2022, when Sergio Perez started aggressively before fading as the car evolved. He believes Verstappen knows his position as Red Bull's king and won't easily give it up.

“The only scenario that could make Verstappen seriously consider leaving is if McLaren wins a string of races after the summer break. That's when he might start thinking about the McLaren option,” Montoya concluded.