Juan Pablo Montoya has warned Max Verstappen about ditching Red Bull over a potential shock McLaren Formula 1 switch.
Speculation about the future of the four-time F1 World Champion with the Milton-Keynes-based team has been rife throughout the 2026 season, so far.
Verstappen has endured an uncompetitive stint with the RB22, nine rounds into this season, and is reported to be on his way out of Red Bull next year.
While rumors about a sensational switch to Mercedes were brewing, all through 2025, McLaren has dropped itself into the conversation as a firm contender to secure the 28-year-old’s services for 2027 and beyond.
Speaking on his podcast MontoyAS the former McLaren driver evaluated the options before Verstappen if he did indeed elect to terminate his Red Bull contract at the end of 2026.
“The million-dollar question is if he were to go somewhere, he already deserves to go somewhere strong,” he said.
“Mercedes? From what I gather from the rumours going around this week, George is already locked in for next year.”
The “problem” Max Verstappen faces with McLaren F1 switch
Earlier this year, it was announced that Verstappen’s race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase was on his way to the Woking-based team.
What makes McLaren an even more tantalising prospect for the Dutchman is its imminent Hypercar program in the World Endurance Championship.
Reports suggest that both Red Bull and McLaren are contemplating a straight swap, with Oscar Piastri switching seats with Verstappen.
Montoya, however, has urged Verstappen to err on the side of caution before committing to his exit from the Milton-Keynes-based team.
“So, if you’re Max, where would you go? If you’re already doing better, it doesn’t make sense,” he added.
“The problem is, as they say, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
“From a distance it looks very nice, but sometimes, when you stand on it, you say, ‘Oh, what did I get myself into.’ That happens.”
As things stand, however, no official confirmation is out yet from either side. But a decision on Verstappen’s future is expected to be made before the F1 summer break.
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