Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has ignited a fresh wave of paddock speculation by claiming Max Verstappen should contact Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff about a potential move away from Red Bull Racing.
Montoya, never one to shy away from a bold opinion, was unequivocal in his assessment of the situation unfolding at Red Bull this season.
"Max should call Toto Wolff, who would be ready to sign him," Montoya stated, going further to suggest that such contact may have already taken place behind the scenes.
The comments come amid a turbulent start to the 2026 campaign for Red Bull, who have found themselves mired in the midfield battle rather than competing for victories. Verstappen has been spotted dicing with Haas, Alpine, and Racing Bulls in recent races — a far cry from the dominance that delivered him four consecutive world championships.
Verstappen himself has done little to quell the rumours. The Dutchman has been openly critical of the current generation of F1 cars, describing how they "dilute the challenge of driving" and comparing the racing to "a game of Mario Kart." He has stated he is in Formula 1 "for a good time rather than a long time" and is "very happy with what he's achieved" — language that suggests a driver at peace with walking away.
Veteran F1 journalist Peter Windsor has added further weight to the Mercedes narrative. "All roads point to Max Verstappen still joining Mercedes if he's in F1 still," Windsor said, pointing to Wolff's strategic positioning within the sport's governance structures.
Windsor highlighted the relationship between Verstappen and the Mercedes boss, noting that conversations between the pair have been well-documented. "Given all the conversations, Max on a yacht with Toto's private yacht talking about partnering with Mercedes — I think if it's Max and Antonelli, all roads point to Mercedes," he added.
The complicating factor in any potential move is Andrea Kimi Antonelli's outstanding form. The young Italian has won two of the opening races and currently leads the 2026 drivers' championship, cementing his place alongside George Russell in the Mercedes lineup. Any arrival by Verstappen would force a difficult decision about which driver makes way.
Verstappen's contract with Red Bull extends through 2028, but reportedly includes a performance-related escape clause that could be triggered if he falls outside the top two in the championship standings. Given Red Bull's current trajectory, that clause is looking increasingly relevant.
The four-time champion's frustration extends beyond just results. He has expressed deep reservations about the 2026 technical regulations, particularly the energy deployment systems that have stripped drivers of control over key aspects of car management. His teammate and the broader paddock have echoed similar concerns, but for Verstappen — a driver who prizes car feel and raw driving skill above all else — the regulations represent a fundamental clash with his racing philosophy.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and adviser Helmut Marko face a delicate situation. Their chassis has been identified as the primary weakness, with grip issues plaguing the RB22 in all conditions. Whether the team can arrest its slide before Verstappen's patience runs out may determine the course of the 2026 season and beyond.
For now, the speculation remains just that. No official statements from either Verstappen's camp or Mercedes have confirmed any discussions. But as Montoya suggested, the phone lines between the Verstappen camp and Brackley may already be active — and in Formula 1, where there is smoke, there is usually fire.
Source: youtube.com