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Montoya sees risk in potential Verstappen move to McLaren

Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya warns of potential risks if Max Verstappen were to make a future move to McLaren.

By Michael de Vries - 2026-07-13T14:21:33.000Z - 1 min read

Photo: Paul Lannuier from Sussex, NJ, USA / Wikimedia Commons ยท CC BY-SA 2.0

Max Verstappen's future remains a hot topic in the Formula 1 paddock, with his name frequently linked to a possible move to McLaren. This ongoing speculation has taken on a new dimension following comments from former Grand Prix winner Juan Pablo Montoya.

Montoya expressed critical views regarding the potential move. According to the former F1 driver, a switch to the Woking-based team would carry a 'big risk' for the reigning world champion.

However, Montoya added an important caveat to his warning. He nuanced that this risk applies only 'to a certain extent,' without elaborating further. This leaves room for interpretation regarding the specific nature of the dangers he highlighted.

The statement from the Colombian, who enjoyed a successful Formula 1 career himself, adds a voice of experience to the ongoing discussions. His perspective contributes to the complex picture surrounding Verstappen's potential career moves outside his current team.

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