Montoya names bold choice for Verstappen F1 team-mate

Seven-time F1 grand prix winner Juan Pablo Montoya has backed Red Bull to poach Carlos Sainz from his contract at Williams.

Much scrutiny surrounds the second Red Bull drive alongside Max Verstappen amid Sergio Perez's run of lacklustre performances at the squad.

Perez signed an extension earlier this year but has been frequently linked to be heading towards the exit door.

Several drivers have been touted as potential replacements - including rookie Franco Colapinto who is currently impressing during his mid-season promotion to Williams.

Montoya has suggested Red Bull should negotiate with Williams and convince it to keep Colapinto for next year and give up Sainz, who it signed from Ferrari earlier this year.

“If I were Christian Horner and the director of Red Bull, I would go to Williams and say, ‘you’re happy with Colapinto, keep him and give me Sainz’,” he told W Radio Colombia.

“Why am I going to take the risk of replacing Checo, who is experienced in Formula 1, has won races, to put a rookie against Max.

“A rookie against Albon is tough, but you can do it. Look at Albon, whenever he has been under pressure and has had a fast team-mate he has crashed and continues to do so.

“Max doesn’t make mistakes and he doesn’t fail, so it’s complicated.”

Montoya highlights Williams F1 ultimatum

Montoya also suggested Williams is running the risk of losing Sainz early if he is not handed a competitive car.

“Knowing Carlos, he has told Williams that he has signed for them, but if he does not win or achieve podium finishes, he can leave if he gets another offer,” he said.

“They could say to Williams: 'You can lose Carlos now or in a year's time. Now you get money, in a year you don't.' 

“If it comes to that, that's the move I would make if I were Red Bull. I wouldn't go for Colapinto, I would go for Carlos.”

However, Montoya conceded the most likely scenario is that Perez will remain in place, pointing to his sponsorship money as a key factor.

“I think Checo will still be on the grid next year,” he added. “I don't think he will just give up. The difference with Ricciardo is that Checo makes a lot of money.

“He gets a lot of criticism and a lot of people want him gone. Whether he deserves that, I don't know. He hasn't done badly. 

“You don't know what happens behind closed doors, but a lot of people are trying to get another driver in the car.”