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Max Verstappen has committed to Red Bull for 2026, but the four-time world champion’s future beyond that is unclear – and one former F1 driver has offered a solution should the Dutch star leave
Red Bull should ‘break Carlos Sainz’s contract’ and snatch him from Williams if Max Verstappen decides to quit the team next season. That’s according to seven-time Grand Prix winner Juan Pablo Montoya.
The Dutchman has pledged his future to his current employers for 2026, but after that, his destination remains hotly debated. Verstappen’s existing deal stretches until the conclusion of the 2028 season, yet, as shown by Mercedes’ relentless chase this year, the 27-year-old possesses performance-related clauses that could allow him to escape his agreement.
Verstappen had been heavily linked with a move to Mercedes in recent months. Speculation over his future only increased after Red Bull axed Christian Horner after 20 years in charge. Red Bull advisor, Helmut Marko, acknowledged Verstappen’s future during a chat with F1-Insider.
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“From his statements, it was clear that he wanted to stay, and it makes sense, even if the exit clause had become actionable,” he said.
“No one knows what the situation will look like in 2026. On the engine side, Mercedes declare themselves the class leader, but there is no proof.
“On the chassis side, you don’t know whether someone will hit the jackpot. So there is a lot of uncertainty, and, purely from his perspective, it makes much more sense to stay, look at all of this, and if perhaps we are not competitive next year, then reconsider his decision.”
Should Red Bull fail to make progress when the fresh technical regulations kick in and Verstappen concludes that his destiny lies elsewhere, the four-time world champion will essentially have the chance to stroll into any Formula One squad he fancies, such is his current appeal, reports the Express.
“When Max Verstappen comes out, maybe next year, and says I’m free, how many teams are really gonna be open to taking him?” Montoya said to Casas De Apuestas.
“McLaren are out of the picture. Ferrari? Maybe. I think Carlos Sainz could go back to Ferrari, but he would also be great for Red Bull. Red Bull needs experience. If Max says he’s leaving, who are you going to bring in? Another rookie?
“And you’re then going to end up with four rookies in two struggling teams? I would have taken Carlos in a heartbeat. Red Bull should go for Carlos and break his contract and take him out of Williams.”
Ferrari released Sainz at the conclusion of the 2024 campaign to accommodate Lewis Hamilton, who switched from Mercedes in a stunning move.
The Spaniard subsequently secured a seat with Williams, though he has been outpointed 54-16 in the Drivers’ Championship by teammate Alex Albon.
Nevertheless, as a four-time Grand Prix victor, Sainz’s credentials are beyond doubt, having enjoyed a fruitful period with Red Bull’s junior outfit Toro Rosso before departing midway through 2017 to take Jolyon Palmer’s seat at Renault.
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