Juan Pablo Montoya Predicts Max Verstappen's Ferrari Future, Citing Hamilton's 'Mistake'

Seven-time Grand Prix winner Juan Pablo Montoya believes Max Verstappen is destined for Ferrari, but not before a stint at Mercedes. This prediction comes amidst speculation about Verstappen's future and former Ferrari driver Eddie Irvine's warning against delaying a move, citing Lewis Hamilton's perceived 'mistake' of joining Ferrari too late.

Why it matters:

• The potential movement of a dominant driver like Max Verstappen could drastically alter the competitive balance of Formula 1. His current contract with Red Bull runs until 2028, but rumors of an early exit persist.
• A move to an iconic team like Ferrari or Mercedes would redefine his legacy and potentially usher in a new era of F1 dominance for whichever team secures him.
• The timing of such a move, particularly in light of Lewis Hamilton's current challenges at Ferrari, is a critical point of discussion among F1 pundits.

The Details:

• Montoya's Prediction: Juan Pablo Montoya suggests Verstappen will drive for Ferrari, but not for another “five or six years,” anticipating a stop at Mercedes first. He sees Verstappen eventually completing a career arc with Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari.
• Verstappen's Contract and Rumors: Max Verstappen is contracted with Red Bull until the end of 2028. Despite this, rumors about an early departure, especially to Mercedes, have intensified.
• Jos Verstappen's Comments: Max's father, Jos Verstappen, acknowledged discussions with Ferrari and Mercedes, in addition to Red Bull, indicating a broad consideration of future options.
• Verstappen's Maturity: Montoya observes a “calmer Max” this season, attributing it to maturation or perhaps a psychological preparation for a future team change.
• Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari Move: Lewis Hamilton's high-profile move to Ferrari has yet to yield significant results. Eddie Irvine, a former Ferrari driver, believes Hamilton “came a bit too old,” cautioning Verstappen against a similar delay.
• Eddie Irvine's Advice: Irvine expressed a desire for Verstappen to join Ferrari while still in his prime, drawing a parallel to Michael Schumacher's impactful move to Ferrari. Schumacher's initial years at Ferrari were challenging, but his long-term commitment led to immense success, highlighting the importance of building a team around a generational talent.

Looking Ahead:

Verstappen's future will largely depend on Red Bull's continued competitiveness, especially with new regulations coming in 2026. If Red Bull falters, a move to Mercedes or eventually Ferrari becomes a more tangible prospect.

• The narrative around Hamilton's age and timing at Ferrari will undoubtedly influence how Verstappen and his team consider future team changes.
• A successful transition for Verstappen to a new team would not only cement his status as an all-time great but also demonstrate his ability to build a championship-winning environment beyond Red Bull. The F1 world will be closely watching his decisions in the coming years.