‘The perfect opportunity’: Montoya weighs in on Verstappen’s future

The departure of Gian Piero Lambiase from Red Bull to McLaren has sparked whispers that something bigger could be brewing – perhaps even a shock move involving Max Verstappen.

But while some see the pieces falling into place for a future reunion between the Dutchman and team papaya, former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya is looking in a very different direction, and his argument adds a compelling new layer to an already tangled narrative.

Lambiase’s exit is no ordinary reshuffle. As Verstappen’s long-time race engineer and a central figure in his title-winning success, his move to McLaren as chief racing officer has raised eyebrows across the paddock.

With several key figures already leaving Red Bull in recent years, the Dutchman’s inner circle appears to be thinning. Add to that a sluggish start to the 2026 season – where Red Bull find themselves adrift in the constructors’ standings – and the timing has only intensified speculation.

For some, the logic feels almost too neat: trusted ally leaves, a new power structure emerges at McLaren, and suddenly the door appears ajar for Verstappen to follow.

But Montoya isn’t buying into that subplot – at least not entirely.

Mercedes: ‘The perfect opportunity’?

Instead, Montoya believes the real opportunity lies elsewhere – with Mercedes, and a team boss who has never hidden his admiration for Verstappen.

“Look at Mercedes. Kimi Antonelli has won the last two races, but George Russell is suddenly really struggling,” he told AS Columbia.

“And team boss Toto Wolff has always said very clearly that he wants Max in his team. This could well be the perfect opportunity for Verstappen.

"Red Bull is on the slower side. If they stay that way all year, Max will definitely be looking for a way out, for a way to leave as soon as possible."

It’s a blunt assessment – and one that cuts through the McLaren noise. For Montoya, this isn’t about following familiar faces, but about timing, performance, and leverage.

Red Bull’s unraveling puzzle

Behind the speculation lies a more uncomfortable truth for Red Bull: the structure that once looked unshakeable is showing clear signs of strain.

Lambiase is just the latest high-profile departure in a growing list that includes senior figures across engineering and leadership. His new role at McLaren – reporting directly to team principal Andrea Stella – is not just a sideways move, but a clear step up.

Montoya sees that, too – and questions why Red Bull let it happen.

"It is interesting, though, because he will now have a more important role than he had or could have had at Red Bull,” Montoya added.

“It's also a role that Red Bull could have known he could have gotten elsewhere.

“I don't know for sure, but when I look at all he has achieved, I personally think it is a role that Red Bull certainly could have given him as well."

• Read also: Ralf Schumacher floats Verstappen–Piastri swap in shock twist

In a sport where stability often underpins success, Red Bull suddenly look anything but stable.

For now, Verstappen remains at the center of it all – silent, but increasingly surrounded by questions.

Is Lambiase’s move the first domino in a McLaren masterplan? Or is it simply a distraction from a more likely scenario unfolding at Mercedes?

One thing is certain: with Red Bull faltering and rivals circling, the balance of power in Formula 1 feels more fragile than it has in years – and Verstappen’s next move could be the one that reshapes it entirely.

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