Former Formula One driver Juan Pablo Montoya has cautioned that Max Verstappen could experience a championship drought similar to Lewis Hamilton's struggles following the 2022 regulation changes.
The Colombian racing veteran expressed concerns about Red Bull's prospects when new technical regulations come into force in 2026.
Montoya highlighted a crucial difference for the Milton Keynes-based team.
The four-time world champion Verstappen has dominated since defeating Hamilton in the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi finale.
Juan Pablo Montoya has made his feelings about Max Verstappen's future clear
PA
However, Red Bull's current performance trajectory raises questions about their future competitiveness. The team has already slipped to fourth in the Constructors' Championship standings.
Hamilton's experience serves as a stark warning for Verstappen's future prospects. The British driver secured six of his seven world championships during Mercedes' dominance in the turbo-hybrid era, but has managed just two Grand Prix victories since the 2022 regulation changes.
Mercedes failed to adapt to the new ground effect cars, ending Hamilton's remarkable championship run. Despite his exceptional talent, Hamilton's struggles demonstrate how crucial car performance remains in Formula One.
Verstappen currently holds four consecutive titles and remains a contender for a fifth crown in 2025, facing competition from McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
Yet, Red Bull's declining performance mirrors Mercedes' trajectory before their own fall from dominance, raising concerns about whether history might repeat itself when the 2026 regulations arrive.
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Montoya emphasised the significance of Newey's absence for Red Bull's future prospects. "The question is the 2026 rules," he told CasinoHawks. "The question is not how good Max is. You can say Lewis won seven. But Lewis was in the right car for six of them."
The Colombian pointed to a critical factor that could determine Verstappen's championship chances. "So, can Red Bull still dominate with the new rules with no Adrian Newey? This is the first time Red Bull is going to go to a new regulation without Newey. That's the million-dollar question."
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The new regulations will be the first for Red Bull without Adrian Newey
PAMontoya suggested that Jos Verstappen, Max's father, understands these concerns better than his son. "I think that's probably more in the back of Jos' mind than Max's. Jos has been around longer and understands it better, and he understands how important it is to have the right person building the car."
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ReutersMontoya offered specific advice about Verstappen's potential future moves if Red Bull cannot deliver championship-winning machinery.
"Honestly, if I were Max, and if you're thinking 2026/2027, you want to be with Mercedes, personally speaking," Montoya continued. "If I could pick anywhere to go, I would go to Mercedes."
The former Williams and McLaren driver also identified Aston Martin as an attractive long-term option. "If I were looking at 2027 onwards to say 2030, I think Aston might be the place to be."
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