New Name Comes Up as Max Verstappen Might Leave Red Bull
Red Bull has been given clear advice on who to go for if Max Verstappen decides to leave the team, as recent rumours suggest.
Before the 2026 Formula One season started, talk began that Max Verstappen, who has spent 12 years with Red Bull and won four world championships, might join a rival team. He was strongly linked with Mercedes, which many expect to be the top team next year.
Verstappen reportedly spoke several times with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff but chose to stay with Red Bull at the season’s start. Still, rumours kept going, with some saying Verstappen might retire because he doesn’t like the new 2026 rules.
After a few races, those rumours calmed down, but new reports suggest Mercedes could be back in talks with Verstappen as Red Bull struggles this season. If Verstappen does move to Mercedes or retires, Red Bull will face a huge challenge replacing one of the best drivers in F1 history.
Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya shared his thoughts with betting site BetVictor. He said Red Bull should look at two main drivers if Verstappen leaves: Oscar Piastri or George Russell. Montoya explained, “Oscar could step into Max’s spot if he left, or maybe George. There are many possibilities. You want good balance and happy teammates, and Mercedes has that now. They just need George to finish the job when he gets the chance. George should have won in Barcelona if not for Ferrari’s strategy. I feel bad for him this season.”
Both Piastri and Russell were linked with Red Bull before the 2026 season as possible Verstappen replacements. It’s expected that if Verstappen moves to Mercedes, it would be at Russell’s expense rather than his current teammate, Kimi Antonelli, who leads the championship. If that happens, Russell might consider a move to Red Bull, which could be a good fit.
Piastri could be another option, especially since he seemed unhappy at McLaren during 2025 because of how the team treated him compared to his teammate Lando Norris.
Of course, Red Bull hopes to keep Verstappen for years to come. To do that, they need to keep giving him a car that can compete at the front. Verstappen’s contract even has a clause allowing him to leave if he finishes lower than second in the championship.
Red Bull plans to bring upgrades for the Austrian Grand Prix this week, hoping to help Verstappen get his first win of the season. But Montoya isn’t sure it will be enough. He said, “Red Bull’s upgrades will finally give them the right weight and, combined with their top power unit, Austria’s long straights and heavy braking will make it interesting. But I don’t think they’re quite close enough for Verstappen to make a real comeback. The problem is, even if you catch up, others will improve too, so you’re still behind.”