Former F1 star Juan Pablo Montoya has speculated that a potential switch by Max Verstappen to Mercedes could cause a massive shake-up across the Formula 1 driver market. Speaking on his podcast, Montoya said such a move would go far beyond just affecting Mercedes and Red Bull — it could trigger a chain reaction among multiple teams, with various drivers either being displaced or rapidly reshuffled. He noted that even though the possibility remains uncertain, the impact of such a change would be profound and far-reaching.
Montoya emphasized that Verstappen joining Mercedes would immediately disrupt the balance of power within the team. Pairing him with Lewis Hamilton could spark an intense internal rivalry, as both are dominant figures in the sport. While this might push them to new performance heights, Montoya warned it could also lead to conflict and tension within the team. Handling two strong-willed champions in one garage would be a major challenge for team management.
The consequences of Verstappen leaving Red Bull would also be significant. Red Bull would need to fill the huge gap left by their lead driver, likely sparking a scramble across the grid. Teams would rush to fill seats or seize opportunities, leading to a widespread reshuffling — a “musical chairs” scenario, as Montoya described it. This could cause a dramatic shift in team rosters as everyone adjusts to the unexpected vacancy.
According to Montoya, such a major transfer would also disrupt plans for other leading teams like Ferrari, McLaren, and Alpine. For instance, Red Bull might try to lure a top driver from a rival team, potentially throwing their strategies into disarray. This ripple effect could unsettle even the most stable teams and make the championship more unpredictable, creating a radically altered competitive environment in Formula 1.
Lastly, Montoya noted the marketing and commercial potential of a Hamilton-Verstappen pairing. The global attention such a lineup would attract could be a goldmine for sponsors and F1’s viewership. However, it also brings risk, as any internal drama could damage the team’s image. Meanwhile, younger drivers might view a vacant Red Bull or Mercedes seat as a golden opportunity, intensifying competition and adding even more intrigue to the evolving driver market.
About the Author
