Max Verstappen dealt shock Williams warning as Red Bull doubts remain

Max Verstappen has been warned by former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya that Red Bull could find itself "where Williams is now" next season. 

Next year will mark the introduction of the new power unit regulations, which will see Red Bull become a power unit supplier for the first time in its history. 

It is a major step for the Milton Keynes-based outfit, who are rumoured to be struggling ahead of 2026. 

Montoya is aware that Red Bull's engine could be weak, which could trigger Verstappen to terminate his contract.

"Red Bull has a power unit next year that nobody knows how good it’s going to be,” Montoya told Instant Casino. 

"They could easily be where Williams is now next year. If Red Bull really does end up in the middle of the pack, Max Verstappen will have to ask himself if he wants to stay with the team. 

"That consideration only becomes greater with all the clauses that allow him to terminate his contract early."

Mercedes are reported to be in the lead ahead of the new power units, increasing many people's belief that Verstappen will want to race for a team with the German manufacturer's engine. 

A move to McLaren is off the cards due to Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri having long-term contracts, whilst a move to Mercedes would need either Kimi Antonelli or George Russell to be axed.

“The difficult thing is, McLaren just re-signed Piastri," added Montoya. "Would Wolff fire Antonelli to accommodate Verstappen? 

"Or would you fire Russell? I don’t know how quickly that decision was made."