Montoya Claims Mercedes Hiding Pace, Verstappen's Nurburgring Return Sought

Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya suggests Mercedes' new W17 was running significantly slower than its true potential during pre-season testing in Barcelona. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen's Nurburgring instructor has expressed a desire to see the reigning world champion return to the iconic circuit, a key step in Verstappen's long-term goal of competing in the 24-hour endurance race.

Why it matters:

Montoya's claim, if accurate, signals that Mercedes may have a substantial performance reserve hidden for the start of the season, potentially shaking up the early competitive order. Separately, Verstappen's continued interest in the Nurburgring underscores the unique appeal the circuit holds for top drivers and highlights his ambitions beyond Formula 1.

The details:

• Mercedes' Hidden Pace: On his MontoyAS podcast, Juan Pablo Montoya analyzed the Barcelona test, asserting the Mercedes W17 was running "three to four seconds off" its full potential. This suggests the team was focused on reliability and data gathering over outright performance.
• A Solid Foundation: Despite the conservative running, the test was positive for Mercedes. The team completed over 500 laps with drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, and the new power unit demonstrated promising early reliability.
• Verstappen's Nordschleife Goal: Andreas Gulden, the instructor who oversaw Verstappen's training for his Nurburgring permit, stated he would "welcome the F1 champion back with open arms." Verstappen has previously expressed a clear desire to race on the Nordschleife again before attempting the 24-hour race.
• Calendar Advantage: A schedule change for the NLS (Nurburgring Endurance Series) round, moving it away from a clash with the Japanese Grand Prix, could provide Verstappen a clearer window to participate in 2026.

What's next:

The true pace of the Mercedes W17 will be revealed at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, testing Montoya's theory. For Verstappen, any potential appearance in the NLS would depend on the evolving F1 calendar and Red Bull's willingness to accommodate his extracurricular racing ambitions.