ARTICLE AD BOX
Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya made an interesting prediction about possible changes in the summer market in F1. In his opinion, if 26-year-old Max Verstappen moves to Mercedes next year, there would be a real chain reaction among the top teams.
Formula 1 is awaiting with great interest the current champion's decision on his future for the 2026 season, as it will certainly affect the schedule of several cars, especially Mercedes. George Russell and young talent Kimi Antonelli face uncertain futures as their contracts soon expire. However, Russell is enjoying his best season so far, while 20-year-old Antonelli has become the biggest discovery of the year.
The boss of Mercedes, Toto Wolff, has long had the desire to bring in Verstappen, and he also admitted that he regrets not hiring him earlier, before Max signed for Red Bull. Although there has been speculation that Max could replace Russell and that Antonelli would remain as his teammate, Montoya sees the situation differently.
Possible chess game between teams
"If Max goes to Mercedes and they don't give up on Russell, Red Bull will most likely bring in Carlos Sainz," Montoya told AS Colombia. "And Kimi will end up at Williams, which will give him time to develop, similar to what was done with Russell."
Montoya claims that Red Bull had the option to sign Sainz earlier, but that Verstappen did not want the Spaniard as a team-mate, further complicating the situation. "However, I do not believe that Max has the right to choose a colleague at Mercedes, which he now has at Red Bull," he adds.
Recently, there were rumors about Sainz's clause that would allow him to leave Williams if a top team calls him, but Williams denied those stories.
However, now, with the potential departure of Max to the German team, the situation is changing. Red Bull has no one to replace the experienced multiple champion, and Sainz is considered the most realistic option for that position.
English (US) ·