P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Verstappen Red Bull crisis far from over
According to F1 legend Juan Pablo Montoya, Max Verstappen’s negotiating leverage in contract talks may have weakened due to Red Bull’s poor performance in the 2025 season. Despite considering a move to Mercedes, Verstappen ultimately decided to stay with Red Bull. Montoya suggests that the struggling performance of Red Bull may have led to Mercedes offering a lower salary than Verstappen anticipated. Red Bull’s difficulties in the 2025 season have put Verstappen’s bid for a fifth world championship at risk, with the team undergoing major structural changes. Verstappen has acknowledged the need for restructuring at Red Bull to regain competitiveness, but if performance does not improve, he may seek opportunities elsewhere in the future. Despite the challenges faced by Red Bull, Verstappen’s impressive track record could secure him a seat with one of their competitors if he decides to make a change.
