Amidst all the question marks over Red Bull’s competitiveness, speculation is rife once again about the future of Max Verstappen. Where last year he could have won a new title on his own merit, it seems almost an impossible task with the RB21. Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya warns that Verstappen might have needed to make a transfer earlier – now he is likely to take a hit on his salary.
Of course, it remains to be seen whether Verstappen is actually looking for a new employer. Teams like Mercedes and Aston Martin are probably lining up to sign him, although the four-time world champion says he is ‘just’ focused on improving his current car for now. If Verstappen does make a transfer in the near future, Montoya predicts that he will no longer have the same strong negotiating position as last year. The declining competitiveness of Red Bull is changing the terms.
“If I were Verstappen, I would be worried,” Montoya told Plejmo. “Six months ago, he could have asked for any amount and everyone would have paid it. But with the way Red Bull is performing now, he should go to Toto (Wolff, ed.) and say: ‘Look, pay me less than before, but please let me drive your car.’ Is he willing to do that?”
The ‘Beginning of the End’
“This is the beginning of the end for Max Verstappen at Red Bull,” Montoya continued. “Absolutely. But in a way, he has always been fortunate to be in the best car. In that respect, this year is a bit of a reality check. Max wants to win, but as long as Red Bull is not competing for the victory, it also affects contract negotiations.” Montoya recalled the previous interest from rival teams.
“The amounts mentioned were insanely high,” the Colombian explained. “McLaren also approached Max to ask what he would cost – before they eventually re-signed Oscar Piastri. So at some point, Verstappen has to make a decision,” Montoya concluded. “Does he want to drive the best car or does he want to earn a lot of money?”
