Juan Pablo Montoya believes Max Verstappen is leveraging his contractual situation to pressure Red Bull Racing. The former F1 driver commented on the ongoing rumours surrounding Verstappen’s future, which remain despite a contract running until 2028.
According to Montoya, Verstappen’s reluctance to commit fully is a tactic to ensure the team continues its development push. He noted that Red Bull has probably developed its car the most of any team during the current season.
The situation is unfolding against a backdrop of internal tension at the team. Reports suggest Mark Mateschitz, son of the late Red Bull co-founder, is frustrated by Verstappen’s lack of commitment, viewing it as a lack of loyalty given the team’s investment in him.
Conversely, Red Bull management is reportedly doing everything possible to convince Verstappen to stay. The driver’s camp, however, feels he is no longer being listened to, citing strategic disagreements like the one at the British Grand Prix as a point of friction.
This internal dynamic follows a significant management reshuffle. Christian Horner departed as team principal in July 2025 amid performance issues and a power struggle that intensified after Dietrich Mateschitz’s death in 2022.
The conflict involved Horner, Helmut Marko, and Jos Verstappen, with the Austrian parent company seeking more control. Key figures like Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley have also since left the team.
Montoya also weighed in on potential moves for Verstappen, questioning the logic of a switch to Mercedes or McLaren. He pointed out that McLaren is a team built entirely around Lando Norris, which would present a new challenge for Verstappen.
‘Right now, everyone can see that McLaren is completely built around Lando,’ Montoya stated. ‘How comfortable is that? Max has the advantage that he’s at Red Bull, and everything revolves around him.’
The Colombian warned that the grass is not always greener on the other side, suggesting Verstappen could find himself in a difficult position if a new car did not suit him. He believes Verstappen’s current actions are designed to maintain his central role and drive the team forward.
