Last Updated on December 21 2024, 8:47 am
Juan Pablo Montoya, the outspoken and highly respected former Formula One driver, has expressed serious concerns about Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull Racing. In a revealing interview with *LuckyBlock*, Montoya assessed Red Bull’s recent struggles and the impact it has had on the Dutchman’s career.
Known for his unfiltered opinions, the Colombian painted a picture of uncertainty for Red Bull and suggested that Verstappen could be tempted to jump ship if the current trajectory continues.
Montoya’s comments reflect growing questions about Red Bull’s performance, strategy and long-term plans as the team faces mounting challenges. From internal engine development risks to a competitive grid that is closing the gap, Montoya believes Verstappen’s once ironclad position as a dominant force in Formula One is under threat.
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Red Bull’s recent struggles: A sharp decline
The 2024 season marked a significant decline for Red Bull Racing, a team that had been virtually unbeatable in previous years. After dominating the sport with four consecutive Constructors’ Championships and providing Verstappen with the machinery to win multiple titles, Red Bull now finds itself struggling with diminishing returns.
The team slipped to third in the Constructors’ Championship in 2024, behind Ferrari and McLaren, and finished the year on the back foot.
Montoya did not mince his words when assessing Red Bull’s precarious position.
“Red Bull has a lot on its plate at the moment,” he said.
“If I were Max, I would be very concerned about the engine programme for 2026. Developing and running your own engines is a huge gamble, especially when you’re up against powerhouses like Mercedes, Ferrari and Honda. It’s a high-risk situation that could backfire.”
The move to produce its own power units in 2026 is undoubtedly a bold one, but it also puts the team in uncharted territory. Historically, Red Bull’s success has relied heavily on partnerships with established engine suppliers. Their relationship with Honda has yielded incredible results, but moving away from a proven formula carries an immense risk.
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Shake-up of the driver line-up: A pivotal change
Adding to Red Bull’s uncertainty is the upheaval in their driver line-up. Following the conclusion of the 2024 season, the team announced a reshuffle of roles. Isack Hadjar, a promising talent, will make his debut with the junior team, while Liam Lawson will be promoted to the senior squad to partner Verstappen.
The decision comes at the expense of veteran driver Sergio Pérez, whose departure closes a significant chapter in Red Bull’s recent history.
Montoya commented on the controversial decision to select Lawson over Yuki Tsunoda.
“I am not surprised that Liam Lawson got the seat, but personally I think Yuki deserved it. He dominated Lawson in the qualifiers, winning 6-0. That kind of consistency is hard to ignore,” said Montoya.
“But Red Bull clearly sees something in Lawson and they’ve taken a long-term view with this move.”
The decision underlines the difficult choices facing Red Bull in this transitional period. While the team has traditionally thrived on its ability to nurture and develop young talent, the pressure to deliver results in an increasingly competitive field is greater than ever.
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Montoya’s Aston Martin prediction: A tempting proposition
While Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, Montoya speculated that the Dutchman may not stay with the team until the end of his contract.
“Everyone thinks Max could go to Mercedes, but I actually think Aston Martin is a more likely destination,” Montoya suggested.
“You have Adrian Newey and Honda at Aston Martin now – a combination that has worked brilliantly at Red Bull in the past. If Lawrence Stroll sets his sights on Max, he’ll make it happen. He has the resources and the determination to make Max an offer he can’t refuse.”
Aston Martin endured a difficult end to its 2024 campaign, finishing well below expectations. However, Montoya sees the team as a sleeping giant poised for a resurgence. The 2026 engine regulations, which will bring significant changes to power unit technology, represent a fresh start for the team. Montoya believes that team owner Lawrence Stroll is positioning Aston Martin for a leap forward.
“Lawrence Stroll is fully committed to building a top team. If he decides that Verstappen is the key to that, he won’t take no for an answer,” added Montoya.
“Stroll has the financial firepower to outbid anyone, and the lure of working with Adrian Newey and Honda again could be too strong for Verstappen to resist.”
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Red Bull’s immediate challenges: The 2025 season
While the 2026 engine programme looms large, Montoya also expressed concern about Red Bull’s short-term prospects. The team enters the 2025 season under considerable pressure to regain lost ground. Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes all developed superior cars by the end of 2024, leaving Red Bull struggling to keep pace.
“Red Bull is the team with the most work to do this winter,” said Montoya.
“If they don’t sort things out, they could slip further down the order, possibly finishing fourth or fifth next season. The competition is fiercer than ever, and the midfield teams are catching up quickly.”
Montoya highlighted the impressive progress made by traditional midfield teams such as Alpine and Haas, both of whom have shown flashes of brilliance in 2024. Drivers such as Pierre Gasly and Nico Hulkenberg delivered outstanding qualifying performances, demonstrating that the gap between the top teams and the rest of the field is closing.
“Everyone is getting more comfortable with the regulations and that’s leading to some surprising results. Red Bull used to have a comfortable lead, but now they’re struggling to maintain it. Other teams are starting to excel under the current regulations,” he observed.
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The McLaren dynamic: Rising stars and underperformers
Beyond Red Bull, Montoya turned his attention to McLaren, a team that has emerged as a strong contender for 2024. However, the Colombian was critical of Oscar Piastri’s performance, suggesting that the young Australian has room for improvement.
“Oscar Piastri is the driver with the most to prove next year,” said Montoya.
“I expected him to outshine Lando Norris this season, but Lando has taken a massive step forward while Oscar has stagnated. It’ll be interesting to see how this dynamic develops in 2025.”
Montoya’s comments reflect wider expectations for McLaren, who finished 2024 as one of the most consistent teams on the grid. The pairing of Norris and Piastri remains one of the most intriguing driver duos in F1, and their performance could play a key role in shaping the Constructors’ Championship battle in 2025.
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Verstappen at a crossroads: Decisions that could shape F1
For Max Verstappen, Montoya’s analysis underlines the precarious nature of his position at Red Bull Racing. Once the undisputed leader of the grid, Verstappen now finds himself in a team facing increasing challenges on multiple fronts. Whether it’s the uncertainty of the 2026 engine programme or the growing competitiveness of rival teams, Verstappen’s future is far from certain.
Montoya’s prediction of a possible move to Aston Martin adds another layer of intrigue to Verstappen’s career. If Red Bull cannot address its performance issues and deliver a competitive package, the lure of a fresh start with a resurgent Aston Martin could prove too tempting to resist.
As the 2025 season approaches, the stakes have never been higher for Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen. Their ability to overcome the challenges ahead could determine not only the future of the team, but the competitive landscape of Formula One for years to come. For now, the pressure is on and all eyes will be on Verstappen as he navigates this critical juncture in his career.
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With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
