'Verstappen's failed F1 2025 comeback will never be spoken of again'

22:07, 03 Jan

Updated: 05:13, 04 Jan

byNorberto Mujica

Max Verstappen's failed F1 2025 title bid will not stand the test of time, thinks former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya, who also discards the Dutchman as a potential replacement for George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes.

"No one will ever speak again, in their life, of what Max did."

- Juan Pablo Montoya.

Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Whereas Verstappen looked like he wouldn't be in contention for the Drivers' title last season, with McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri dominating the championship narrative for the vast majority of the season, Red Bull's uptick put the Dutch champion in the running once again in the second half of the season.

After two heavy losses in Mexico and Brazil, which seemed to have buried Verstappen's title hopes, a McLaren double DSQ in Las Vegas revived the Dutchman's chances heading into the last two races of the season, which he managed to win. Nevertheless, he was two points short at the flag in Abu Dhabi, forcing him to relinquish his crown to British driver Norris.

'Verstappen's F1 2025 comeback will be forgotten'

Despite the sheer magnitude of Verstappen's fightback, coupled with the narrow margin it ultimately failed, Montoya is of the idea that it will be a feat no one will reference, save to highlight how it never materialised.

"No one will ever speak again, in their life, of what Max did," the former McLaren driver said in the MontoyAS podcast.

"If [they do so] one day, they will use as a reference that he was very far and did not reach [the title]."

Mercedes doesn't need Verstappen

Despite rising speculation that Mercedes would be able to lure Verstappen into its ranks early in 2025, the Dutchman ultimately revealed his resolve to stay with Red Bull Racing for the 2026 season had never changed, holding the media accountable for igniting the rumours of the switch in the first place.

With George Russell's performance being the absolute benchmark at the German team throughout 2025, and teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli, coming to terms with his W16 drive late in the season achieving his best result in F1 yet - P2 in Brazil - Montoya dismisses the notion that Mercedes need Verstappen, should both of the team's current drivers sustain their performance level.

"The complicated thing is where George and Antonelli start doing a very good job," the former Williams drivers added. "If both of them do a good job, they don't need Max."

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