Max Verstappen has been continuously linked to various F1 teams in recent months. Mercedes has long been considered a possible destination for the Dutchman, but in recent weeks there has also been speculation about a collaboration with McLaren. Juan Pablo Montoya emphasizes that Verstappen always wants to be ‘the undisputed number one’ and that any negotiations will therefore mainly focus on the details.
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“It’s always about money,” said Montoya in an analysis for a betting platform. “Is Max Verstappen just negotiating with other teams about the price, or does he really want to leave? Ultimately, it’s about being the undisputed number one in the paddock,” the Colombian noted. “I wouldn’t go to Mercedes to try to become the king of a jungle, while Antonelli is Toto Wolff’s protégé.”
Does Max Verstappen want to be on equal footing with Kimi Antonelli?
“And at the same time, I wouldn’t go to McLaren, where the relationship between Zak Brown and Lando Norris is very strong,” he added. “Wolff wouldn’t sacrifice Antonelli for Verstappen; he would want to work with both and would probably be able to manage them well. However, I doubt Verstappen would want to go so far as to be on equal footing with Antonelli.”
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“Do you remember how aggressive Sergio Pérez was in his comments at the start of the 2022 season?” Montoya continued sharply. “Then upgrades followed, Max (Verstappen, ed.) was in top form, and Checo declined every race weekend. Honestly, I don’t think there will be a spot open for Max at Mercedes in the coming seasons,” concluded the former driver. “McLaren could still play a role if they score quite a few wins after the summer break. Then Verstappen might seriously consider trying it with that team.”
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