Max Verstappen and Mercedes driver backed for shock seat swap

Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has backed Red Bull to sign a Mercedes driver, should Max Verstappen join the Silver Arrows.  Over the past 12 months, the four-time world champion has been linked several times with a move to the Brackley-based team.  Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff made it clear last season that he was interesting in signing the Dutchman, although opted to promote teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli.  Despite signing Antonelli, speculation has continued that Verstappen could leave Red Bull for Mercedes, with George Russell's contract expiring this year.  The Briton is reportedly set to sign a new deal, although the Verstappen to Mercedes rumours are far from disappearing.  Verstappen's contract with Red Bull expires at the end of 2028; however, clauses in his contract could see the 27-year-old leave before that.  Concerns remain over how competitive the Milton Keynes-based outfit will be next season, when Red Bull becomes its own power unit supplier.  Should the reigning world champion join Wolff at Mercedes, then Montoya expects that whoever he replaces will go in the opposite direction to Red Bull. "In short, if Verstappen goes to Mercedes, I think a Mercedes driver will go to Red Bull," Montoya told Instant Casino .  "The question is who gets fired. George Russell has been a Mercedes man for a long time. They certainly don’t only have eyes for Antonelli, although he did very well as a rookie.  "So the question remains: do you pair Verstappen with Russell or with Antonelli? Or do you not offer Verstappen a contract at all and stick with this line-up?  "Toto Wolff really wanted him last year, but is that still the case? I’m not so sure…"