Max Verstappen’s future at Crimson Bull may very well be hanging within the steadiness because the crew prepares for a seismic shift in 2026. Beneath the upcoming Formulation 1 engine rules, Crimson Bull will break free from its Honda-based partnership and launch its personal energy unit, developed alongside Ford.
Nevertheless, not everyone seems to be satisfied this daring transfer will repay. Former F1 driver and racing icon Juan Pablo Montoya has issued a pointed warning: the brand new Crimson Bull-Ford engine may backfire — and doubtlessly drive Verstappen out.
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Montoya didn’t mince phrases concerning the uncertainty surrounding Crimson Bull’s engine venture. “Crimson Bull has an influence supply subsequent yr that nobody is aware of how good will probably be,” he . “Subsequent yr, they’ll simply be the place Williams is now.”
For a crew so used to dominating the sector, Montoya’s remarks trace at a potential freefall into mediocrity if the venture doesn’t ship. Crucially, he underlined that Verstappen — who holds early exit clauses in his contract — would possibly significantly take into account strolling away if Crimson Bull stumbles.
Max Verstappen throughout previews forward of the Saudi Arabian GP.Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Photos
Montoya pointed to Verstappen’s have to weigh his choices fastidiously, particularly with the grid dynamics evolving shortly. Whereas McLaren, a tempting different, has Oscar Piastri locked down with a brand new contract, Mercedes stays essentially the most believable vacation spot ought to Verstappen look elsewhere.
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However even there, the scenario is sophisticated. “Wolff would hearth Antonelli to accommodate Verstappen?” Montoya questioned, referring to Mercedes’ younger prodigy Andrea Kimi Antonelli. “Or would you hearth Russell? I don’t know the way shortly that selection was made.”
His feedback mirror the political minefield awaiting each Crimson Bull and Mercedes. If Verstappen does leap ship, Montoya believes that whichever Mercedes driver — Russell or Antonelli — loses out would probably be snapped up by Crimson Bull.
“George Russell has been a Mercedes man for a very long time. They don’t simply have a watch for Antonelli there, though he did very effectively as a rookie,” Montoya added, underscoring the inner loyalty battles Toto Wolff must navigate.
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Whereas Verstappen’s dominance seems safe at this time, Montoya’s remarks expose a brewing uncertainty behind the scenes. Crimson Bull’s 2026 gamble is high-risk — and if their new engine fails to match expectations, it may ignite a sport of musical chairs on the very high of Formulation 1, with Verstappen on the centre of the storm.
