Racing Icon Declares Max Verstappen’s Mercedes Move a ‘Done Deal’ After Secret Sardinia Trip

Former F1 star Juan Pablo Montoya reckons that Max Verstappen must've signed the Mercedes deal when he reportedly met Toto Wolff in Italy.

Racing Icon Declares Max Verstappen’s Mercedes Move a ‘Done Deal’ After Secret Sardinia Trip

Toto Wolff and Max Verstappen (images via IMAGO)

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Max Verstappen‘s future in Formula 1 remains a mystery. The reigning world champion does have a contract with Red Bull till 2028. However, there has been no shortage of rumors over the Dutchman wanting to ditch Milton Keynes for Mercedes. Now, former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has made a bold claim following Verstappen’s trip to Italy.

After the British GP, Max Verstappen made a visit to Italy’s Sardinia. What seemed to be a normal vacation at first, turned out to become much more controversial. It was spotted that Mercedes boss Toto Wolff was also present in Sardinia during that time. Reports emerged that the two were meeting up secretly to discuss the 2026 contract. Though, neither Verstappen nor Wolff have made a comment on such speculation.

Juan Pablo Montoya believes that the deal must be ready to sign if the Dutch driver decided to make a visit to Wolff. The Columbian pointed out that just the conversation reaching to such a stage signals that Max Verstappen has definitely made up his mind, with everything being finalized with the Brackley-based team.

Max meeting with Toto was probably to sign already. For Max, to even reach that point in the conversation, means everything has already been seen, discussed, and decided.

Juan Pablo Montoya said on MontoyAS podcast

Verstappen’s alleged meeting with Wolff came right after Red Bull sacked Christian Horner. It was believed that the 27-year-old wanted the Briton removed from the team. However, maybe Red Bull’s decision came too late. Albeit, Milton Keynes has not given an official reason for Horner’s axe.

Max Verstappen wanted to sign Mercedes deal ‘face-to-face’

If Verstappen is joining Mercedes, it would undoubtedly be one of the biggest moves in recent F1 history. Many would reckon that such a switch would be second only to Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari move earlier this year. It is likely that the reigning world champion would receive a hefty salary, and would want to sign the contract in-person with Toto Wolff.

Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli (via Red Bull)
Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli (via Red Bull)

Montoya insisted that the Sardinia visit might be the final step of onboarding for Verstappen. He reckoned that the 27-year-old would’ve been eager to sign the deal face-to-face with Wolff. Since such a move would be the start of a promising new partnership, the two sides wouldn’t have wanted to do things remotely.

You know what I mean — it’s the final step. Like, ‘Okay, I want us to work together, let’s do it, sign here, let’s go.’ I’m sure they wanted to sign face to face. They’re not going to send the first contract and do it all remotely. So I think that could be what’s happening.

Juan Pablo Montoya explained

Perhaps, Verstappen and Wolff chose Sardina to avoid public speculation. This could give them a cover of being on separate vacations. On the other hand, things would’ve been completely obvious if Max Verstappen had gone all the way to Mercedes’ factory in Brackley.

There is no official word from Max Verstappen or Mercedes over the reported meeting in Sardinia. Though, the two sides have not stopped the constant flow of rumors. On the other hand, Red Bull has remained firm in its stance, claiming that they have a valid contract with the four-time world champion for the foreseeable future. If Verstappen did indeed sign a deal with the Silver Arrows, it could further destabilize Milton Keynes which is already going through a state of turmoil.

Read More: F1 Insider Declares Christian Horner’s Exit Not ‘Good News’ for Red Bull