Max Verstappen to McLaren? F1 Legend Reveals Surprising Approach by P….Readmore
Former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya has stirred the paddock with a bold claim that McLaren reached out to Max Verstappen before ultimately signing Oscar Piastri. According to Montoya, the papaya-liveried team made an ambitious attempt to bring the reigning world champion into their fold, suggesting McLaren had their eyes on Verstappen as a key part of their long-term strategy.
This revelation adds a new layer to the ongoing speculation surrounding Verstappen’s future. While he remains under contract with Red Bull Racing, recent developments suggest the Dutchman might be growing disillusioned with his current team’s performance. After years of dominating the field, Red Bull has seemingly hit a rough patch in 2025, sparking rumors of internal unrest and dissatisfaction among key personnel — including Verstappen.
At the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix, Verstappen could only manage a sixth-place finish, a stark contrast to the commanding performances fans have come to expect from him. Meanwhile, McLaren has emerged as an early powerhouse in the 2025 season. Oscar Piastri has taken two grand prix victories, and Lando Norris triumphed in the season opener in Melbourne. Their resurgence has positioned them as serious title contenders, a scenario that might have seemed far-fetched just a couple of seasons ago.
Montoya’s claim adds credibility to the idea that McLaren are no longer just building for the future — they’re ready to win now. Their alleged interest in Verstappen highlights the team’s aggressive approach to becoming a dominant force again. Though Verstappen ultimately stayed with Red Bull and Piastri joined McLaren, the mere possibility of such a move shows how much the competitive landscape has shifted.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko recently expressed concern over Verstappen’s long-term commitment to the team, further fanning the flames of speculation. While there is no official confirmation of talks between Verstappen and McLaren, Montoya’s comments suggest the interest was real — and perhaps mutual at one point.
As the 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on Verstappen’s performance and attitude. With McLaren on the rise and Red Bull under pressure, the possibility of a future switch can’t be ruled out. For now, though, Verstappen remains a Red Bull driver — but for how long remains to be seen.
