URGENT UPDATE: Former Formula One driver Juan Pablo Montoya warns that Red Bull Racing could face a significant crisis if Max Verstappen decides to leave the team amid rising rumors of his potential move to Mercedes. This shocking development comes as George Russell confirmed that his contract discussions are on pause due to Mercedes’ interest in Verstappen.
Verstappen has struggled with the RB21 this season, costing him valuable championship points. Currently sitting in third place with 165 points, he trails championship leader Oscar Piastri by 69 points. With the 2026 regulations on the horizon, and Red Bull set to introduce its own power units developed with Ford, the stakes have never been higher.
Montoya emphasized the crucial role Verstappen plays in Red Bull’s success, stating, “Max is worth as much as half to two-thirds of the entire grid,” indicating that the team’s scoring largely hinges on his performance. If Verstappen departs, Red Bull will face immense pressure to recruit two strong drivers to match his points total.
Speaking to AS Colombia, Montoya expressed his concerns: “We don’t know what’s going on at Red Bull. 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.”
Red Bull’s current lineup includes Yuki Tsunoda, who has struggled since his promotion, scoring just 10 points in the first 12 races of the season. Montoya noted that the team may also look to their junior drivers, including Arvid Lindblad and Isack Hadjar, but believes neither is currently ready to fill Verstappen’s shoes effectively.
Montoya cautioned that while Lindblad is set to advance to Racing Bulls in Formula 2, he requires more experience before being considered for a Red Bull seat. Similarly, Hadjar, who made his F1 debut this year, needs another year to gain confidence and stability.
With uncertainty looming over Red Bull’s future, the team faces a critical moment as Verstappen’s potential departure could redefine their championship aspirations. As Montoya states, “A driver needs confidence and stability,” highlighting the emotional and competitive impact of this developing situation.
As the F1 world watches closely, fans and analysts alike are left to ponder: What happens next for Red Bull Racing if Verstappen makes the shocking choice to leave? The implications are vast and could transform the landscape of Formula One entirely. Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.