The future of Max Verstappen in Formula 1 remains under discussion following recent statements by the driver about the regulatory changes adopted by the category. For former driver Juan Pablo Montoya, the current situation may favor a possible move of the Dutchman to Mercedes, especially given Red Bull’s inconsistent performance in 2026 and the departure of engineer Gianpiero Lambiase.
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Montoya also highlighted Mercedes’ moment, with good results from Kimi Antonelli, while George Russell faces difficulties. According to him, Toto Wolff’s longstanding interest in Verstappen could gain strength in this scenario. Meanwhile, former driver and FIA (International Automobile Federation) commissioner Johnny Herbert sees names like Isack Hadjar and, especially, Arvid Lindblad as options to replace the Dutchman in the Austrian team:
In an interview with Vision4Sports, Herbert stated: “You have Arvid Lindblad, who is another potential solution if Max leaves. I think Arvid has the right ingredients to fill that gap.”
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He added: “They have internal options, but will they still be able to rise to be multiple race winners and, of course, multiple world champions? That will always be the test for any driver. They have a piece, and the piece can fit perfectly into the situation they face at the moment. I don’t think there is a big concern from the drivers’ point of view.”
Lindblad is in his first year in F1 with Racing Bulls and scored points at the Australian GP, the opening race of the 2026 season.
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