Fresh theory raised over Max Verstappen Red Bull commitment

Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has raised a fresh theory as to why Max Verstappen committed to Red Bull for 2026. 

On media day at the Hungarian GP, Verstappen confirmed he would remain with the Milton Keynes-based outfit for next season, despite talks with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff. 

This season is not the first time Wolff has attempted to sign the four-time world champion, with the Dutchman having also been an outside option to replace Lewis Hamilton last year. 

However, a major factor has changed over the last 12 months: the competitiveness of Red Bull. The Austrian outfit sits fourth in the standings, whilst Verstappen is 97 points adrift in the drivers' title. 

It paints a very different picture, with Montoya believing the teams interested in Verstappen would have a much stronger position to negotiate than this time last year. 

In Montoya's eyes, Verstappen could have demanded $100 million last year due to his sheer dominance, but could struggle to receive half that amount now. 

"I don’t think he had a choice," Montoya told Coinpoker, discussing Verstappen's commitment to Red Bull. "If I was negotiating with Max last year when he was winning the world championship, let’s say, it would have cost $100m.

"This year he’s in a struggling car. The number could be $50m. Maybe that was the reason he stayed. 

"Maybe Max thought he was going to get [$50m] and whoever was speaking to him would have the upper hand, knowing that Max would want them more than they want Max.

"Last year, the number had to be like over the moon to get Max. I think this year, if you’re negotiating for Max, you can negotiate. 

"Tell him, if you want to be here, this is the number. Toto could offer Max half what he would have needed to last year."