Montoya on the possible departure of Verstappen: money and team interests
- Montoya links Verstappen's possible departure to financial conditions
- The driver would prefer to remain a leader at Red Bull
- A move to Mercedes or McLaren is unlikely due to internal relationships
- Toto Wolff likely wants to keep both drivers
Former driver Juan Pablo Montoya, known for his performances with Williams and McLaren, has speculated about the future of four-time champion Max Verstappen at Red Bull. According to Montoya, any talk of the 'Red Bull' moving to another team is primarily related to financial conditions.
The expert noted that Verstappen is likely negotiating with potential rivals in an effort to improve his contract. At the same time, Montoya emphasized that it is more important for the driver to remain the undisputed leader in his current team than to seek new opportunities just for the sake of increasing income.
Why not 'Mercedes' and not 'McLaren'?
Montoya explained that a move to 'Mercedes' seems unlikely, as there is already a protégé of Toto Wolff in that team – George Antonelli. According to the former driver, Wolff is unlikely to want to give up a young talent for Verstappen.
Similarly, a move to 'McLaren' also seems problematic. Montoya pointed out the strong relationship between team owner Zak Brown and young British driver Lando Norris, which makes such a transition less appealing for both parties.
Toto Wolff, according to Montoya, would rather keep both talented drivers – Antonelli and Verstappen – and manage their careers within one team than sacrifice one for the other.
However, Montoya did not rule out that Verstappen might take a risk and seek new conditions if he finds them more advantageous. However, he emphasized that such a step would require readiness for potential consequences related to the dynamics within the team and its management.
Currently, there is a growing competition in Formula 1 for the best contracts, and the financial aspect is becoming an increasingly decisive factor in driver selection. The situation with Verstappen illustrates how even a world champion can find himself at the center of negotiations where the stakes are not only victories but also money.
Source: Championat
