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Max Verstappen will be looking for a Red Bull exit route, says former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya.
Juan Pablo Montoya believes that Mercedes should seize the opportunity to sign Max Verstappen now, given Red Bull’s struggles in the 2026 Formula 1 season. Several key allies, including Gianpiero Lambiase, have left Red Bull for rival teams like McLaren. The departure of Lambiase followed Helmut Marko stepping down as Red Bull motorsport advisor in 2025, and other key personnel also making moves to McLaren. With Red Bull currently sixth in the constructors’ table and Verstappen’s future uncertain, Montoya suggests it could be the right time for Mercedes to approach the Dutch driver. The latest developments raise questions about Verstappen’s loyalty to Red Bull and create an opportunity for Mercedes to strengthen their lineup. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has always shown interest in Verstappen, and Montoya believes this might be the ideal moment for a potential switch.
