Ex-F1 driver claims it would be ‘crazy’ for Max Verstappen to leave Red Bull

The Red Bull stable has been the talk of the town ever since the start of the season. Due to the Christian Horner saga in the early stages, rumors regarding personnel in higher positions pondering about leaving the team started to rumble the paddock. Moreover, speculations were made regarding Max Verstappen’s future on the team, but, in stark contrast, the former F1 driver, Juan Pablo Montoya has dismissed such rumors amidst rising tensions.

The F1 world was shocked by the announcement of Adrian Newey‘s exit from Red Bull. This spooled up the rumors about Max Verstappen considering leaving the reigning champions in favor of Mercedes as soon as 2025.

However, Juan Pablo Montoya rejected the rumors and claimed them to be “crazy”.

I really don't [see Verstappen leaving], I think he would be stupid if he did. Max has everybody talking: 'Oh, he is going to leave Red Bull', and you go, 'why would you leave Red Bull if they're winning everything? Unless you are not there for the right reason, you will leave, but if you are there for the right reason, you wouldn't touch it. Maybe Jos[Verstappen] is pissed and wants to drive Max away, it could be, but honestly, he is in the right situation right now, and it would be crazy to go.

Juan Pablo Montoya said in an interview with RacingNews365

The Colombian stated that he could not envision a future where Verstappen would leave the dominant forces. Furthermore, he stated that the only reason the Dutchman would think about leaving Red Bull would be because of his dad, Jos Verstappen. However, even then, the 26-year-old’s destiny is in his hands, and according to Montoya, he would not leave a team that is dominating in F1 for another one.

What is Max Verstappen’s verdict on the whole situation?

The 26-year-old has been dominating F1 for the past few years. On the other hand, this is the first time that the Dutchman has encountered a situation like like the one that currently persists at Red Bull, and experts fear that he could move to another team soon if things do not calm down.

Subsequently, the reigning champion has given his opinion on the rumors flying around the paddock.

I think people in the press, they’re making up a lot of things at the moment, because they don’t understand how the roles were in the team. But of course, like I said before, I cannot deny that I would have preferred him[Adrian Newey] to stay, just for how he is as a person, his knowledge. And of course, what he will bring to potentially another team if he wants to join.

Max Verstappen said in an interview with PlanetF1

The Red Bull driver stated that the media is building up rumors, and the situation is a lot more calm in Milton Keynes. However, he did not deny that Newey’s departure was a major loss, and Red Bull might suffer from this. But he still has a lot of faith in the team and is committed to them even under the current circumstances.

Despite Verstappen’s optimism, things seem a bit more tender in the Red Bull HQ. Thus, it would be interesting going forward how the situation eventually plays out as the driver market has been quite volatile ever since the start of the season. The upcoming months could spring up a few unexpected surprises.

In case you missed it:

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• Ex-F1 driver claims Carlos Sainz ‘best option’ for Red Bull if Max Verstappen leaves

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