Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has indicated that Max Verstappen risks losing his preferential status within Red Bull Racing. Montoya’s assessment follows persistent speculation regarding Verstappen’s long-term commitment to the team. The current F1 season, 2026, has seen ongoing discussions about the Dutchman’s future.
Verstappen has maintained a clear number one driver position at Red Bull since the 2018 season. This status was previously underscored by former team principal Christian Horner, who once suggested the team would operate a single car if solely focused on Verstappen’s performance. The dynamic within the team is now under scrutiny.
Montoya suggests that any perceived disruption in Verstappen’s relationship with Red Bull could benefit his current teammate, Isack Hadjar. Hadjar, who joined Red Bull Racing for the 2026 season, is demonstrating consistent improvement and has publicly affirmed his dedication to the team.
As of the current season, before the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, Verstappen holds 76 points, while Hadjar has accumulated 52 points. This points difference highlights Hadjar’s solid performance in his debut year with the senior team.
Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull extends until 2028. However, it reportedly includes a performance-related break clause. This clause could allow him to depart at the conclusion of the current year if he is not within the top two positions in the drivers’ standings by the summer break.
The 2026 season has presented challenges for Verstappen, including multiple mechanical failures. He experienced two high-speed crashes in consecutive weekends, attributed to a recurring rear-wing issue. Verstappen described this particular problem as ‘super dangerous’.
Beyond on-track issues, the team environment has shifted. Disagreements over car setup decisions have been reported. The departure of key personnel, including Christian Horner in July 2025, has also contributed to this altered atmosphere.
Red Bull Racing concluded the 2025 Constructors’ Championship in third place. Max Verstappen narrowly missed securing his fifth consecutive Drivers’ Championship that year, finishing behind McLaren’s Lando Norris.
The 2026 season introduced significant technical regulation changes to Formula 1. This year also marks the debut of Red Bull Ford Powertrains. Verstappen has been critical of these new regulations, likening the championship to ‘Super Mario Kart’ and hinting at a potential exit from the sport.
‘Hadjar is doing a good job,’ Montoya stated in an interview with AS Colombia. ‘Hadjar is coming along, and Hadjar will keep improving. And one of the things that I think the people on Max’s side haven’t seen is that the more disruption there is in that relationship with Red Bull, the more it creates favouritism in some things toward Hajar’s side.’
Montoya further elaborated on the potential shift in team focus. He suggested that if Red Bull perceives a possibility of Verstappen’s departure, the team would naturally begin to concentrate more resources and attention on the other driver. This strategic realignment would aim to secure future stability for the team.
