F1 icon delivers decisive Verstappen THEORY on Mercedes speculation

A former Formula 1 race winner has offered a definitive theory on the rumours linking Red Bull star Max Verstappen with a switch to Mercedes.

The Silver Arrows are on the lookout for a driver to partner George Russell for 2025 after it was confirmed earlier this year that Lewis Hamilton is set to join Ferrari ahead of next season.

F1 Headlines: Mercedes could replace Hamilton THIS season as Verstappen confirms talks over SHOCK move

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Since the announcement of Hamilton's impending departure, multiple drivers have been linked with the seat, including three-time champion Verstappen.

Mercedes chief Toto Wolff even publicly revealed at one stage that the Dutch driver was the team's first choice option to replace their departing seven-time world champion.

Will Max Verstappen move to Mercedes?

Although Verstappen has re-affirmed his commitment to Red Bull, and is contracted to the Milton Keynes-based outfit until 2028, rumours over a potential switch will not go away.

Former F1 race winner Juan Pablo Montoya has shared his theory on the speculation, though, offering a very decisive assessment.

"Max isn't leaving," Montoya told Formule 1 Magazine. "I'll bet you money that he'll be driving the Red Bull again next season.

"Believe me, as a driver you never voluntarily get out of a winning car.

"Of course, you will have new engine regulations in Formula 1 from 2026 and you will have to deal with Red Bull Powertrains instead of Honda, but the chance that he will get a better package elsewhere and that Red Bull will choose a completely wrong approach is very small."

Montoya continued, stating that if he were in Verstappen's shoes, he would remain at Red Bull.

“To put it another way, if I were Max, I wouldn't go anywhere," the Colombian explained.

"If the choice was between racing in a Mercedes or a Red Bull for the next two seasons, you wouldn't have to think about it for long, would you? Mercedes has a good engine, but not a good car.”

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