'Can Mercedes solve MAJOR headache Verstappen laid at their doorstep?'

Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, but there has been long speculation about an early departure. Montoya doubts that this is legally possible, but does not rule it out. "Speculating is very easy. Whether he can get out of his contract, or he can't. Honestly, I don't think Max can get out of his contract. I don't believe he signed a long-term contract with Red Bull on the condition that he could leave at any time," says the former F1 driver in an interview with a betting site.

At Mercedes, it seems they are waiting to see how things unfold. The future of George Russell is still not officially confirmed, which Montoya finds remarkable. "George could almost compete for the title. The question is whether he has re-signed with Mercedes. And if he has signed, why is this not announced? What is Mercedes waiting for? Are they waiting to see how Max's situation at Red Bull develops?"

Should Verstappen indeed become available, then Mercedes would face a choice: continue with Russell, bet on talent Kimi Antonelli, or open the door for Verstappen. "Imagine if Max goes to Mercedes. Do you give him George's seat or Kimi's? That's a tough call," continues the Colombian.

Montoya thinks that Verstappen might eventually prefer to look beyond Red Bull. "If I were Max and I was thinking about 2026 and 2027, I would want to drive for Mercedes. Looking ahead from 2027 to, say, 2030, I think you need to be at Aston Martin," he concludes.