Juan Pablo Montoya issues Max Verstappen verdict - 'I'll be amazed'

Seven-time grand prix Juan Pablo Montoya has stated he would be “amazed” if Max Verstappen is still driving for Red Bull next year.

Verstappen has been linked with a Red Bull exit over the last 12 months, with the topic bearing its teeth again following a difficult opening period to the new season.

Although he won in Japan earlier this month, Verstappen endured a highly challenging weekend in Bahrain.

Team advisor Helmut Marko has conceded Verstappen's future could become a talking point around the summer break as fresh reports suggest the Dutchman can trigger a release clause should he be lower than third in the drivers' standings.

Amid the uncertainty, Montoya is hedging his bets on Verstappen opting to leave the Milton Keynes-based squad.

“I'll be amazed if Max is driving for Red Bull next year,” the former F1 driver told Plejmo.

Verstappen has been linked with a switch to Mercedes with both George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli out of contract at the end of the year.

Toto Wolff publicly pursued Verstappen last year but has since cooled his approach, stating earlier this year he is no longer attempting to sign the four-time champion.

Another option for Verstappen is Aston Martin, with former Red Bull technical chief Adrian Newey overseeing the design of the 2026 F1 challenger.

Having suggested Verstappen could take a pay cut to join Mercedes, Montoya asserted the Brackley-based squad will offer the Dutch driver a better chance of success over Aston Martin.

“There are two scenarios for Max,” Montoya stated. “Does he want to win? Or does he want to make a ton of money and maybe win?

“If he wants to win, he's going to go and convince Toto to take him. 

“But if he wants to maybe win and make a ton of money, go with Lawrence Stroll with Aston Martin.”