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Max Verstappen will remain with Red Bull for at least next season, but did the team’s current issues hurt his chances of leaving? An ex-F1 driver believes so.
Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has speculated on Max Verstappen’s decision to stay with Red Bull until 2026, noting the change in the team’s competitive position compared to last year. Despite talks with Mercedes’ Toto Wolff, Verstappen opted to stick with Red Bull during the Hungarian GP media day. The improved performance of Red Bull this season, placing them fourth in the standings, might have influenced Verstappen’s choice. Montoya suggested that last year, Verstappen’s value was higher due to his dominant form, but now, it may have decreased, making negotiations more feasible for interested teams. Montoya highlighted that the fluctuating circumstances could have played a role in Verstappen’s decision-making process, potentially leading to a more balanced negotiation environment for teams like Mercedes.
