Juan Pablo Montoya tells Toto Wolff clear ultimatum to give George Russell if Mercedes can sign Max Verstappen

Mercedes are a possible destination for Max Verstappen if the four-time F1 champion opts to leave Red Bull, with George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli out of contract.

The Silver Arrows have given themselves free rein to kick off the next era in F1 history with a completely fresh driver line-up next season. Formula 1 will usher in arguably its biggest ever regulation overhaul in 2026 with power unit and chassis rules which could shake up the grid.

Mercedes fell away from being the team to beat when F1 last overhauled the regulations in 2022 with the re-introduction of ground-effect cars. But next term could see them return to the summit with Mercedes expected to have the best engine under the 2026 F1 regulations.

Having the best engine next season may also see Mercedes win the race to sign Verstappen with the Dutchman’s future at Red Bull unclear. Verstappen has long believed Mercedes will have the best 2026 engine at a stage Red Bull will design their own engine for the first time.

Juan Pablo Montoya thinks Toto Wolff will tell George Russell to welcome Max Verstappen to Mercedes or leave

Verstappen’s future at Red Bull is unclear, despite the 27-year-old having a contract with the Milton Keynes squad through the 2028 F1 season, after a frustrating start to the 2025 term. The champion is third in the rankings, but has lamented the RB21’s through-corner balance.

His position in the F1 drivers’ championship could be vital, too, as Verstappen can trigger an exit clause in his Red Bull contract this summer if he is outside of the top three. He even has another route, as Verstappen can leave if Red Bull are not a top-three F1 team this summer.

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

And if the 64-time Grand Prix winner does elect to move teams at the end of this term, Juan Pablo Montoya thinks Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff will tell Russell he must welcome Verstappen or leave at the lapse of his contract with Antonelli then awarded a deal for 2026.

He told AS: “I think what would happen would be that Toto would sit Russell down and say, ‘I want you to be with me, but we’re going to sign Max. If you’re comfortable racing with Max and working together with Max, the seat is yours. If you’re not comfortable, the door is open’.

“I think that’s the future. Let’s see. I think Antonelli will find a place to race and I think Mercedes will put him somewhere. I don’t know where and there aren’t many options.

“But I really think if they have a real opportunity to sign Max, they’ll do it. One the one hand to have Max. On the other hand, for the chance to destabilise because if you take Max away from Red Bull, who do they have? Three drivers who don’t finish and don’t score points.”

Mercedes have offered George Russell a new contract but must consider Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s future

Mercedes are potentially the most likely destination for Verstappen if he elects to leave Red Bull given Russell and Antonelli are both out of contract after the 2025 season. Aston Martin have a five-year £1bn contract ready for Verstappen, but do not have a seat free for him yet.

Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll are both under contract for Aston Martin through at least the 2026 campaign. So, the Silver Arrows have a clear advantage over their most likely rival. But Mercedes have offered Russell a two-year £46m contract to stay there past this season.

READ MORE: Mercedes driver George Russell’s life outside F1 from net worth to height

So, if Wolff wants to finally welcome his long-term target Verstappen to Mercedes, they will have to weigh up Russell and rookie sensation Antonelli’s futures. The 18-year-old has had a record-breaking start to his F1 career, yet got just a one-year deal to replace Lewis Hamilton.

One option may be as Montoya suggested, with reports that Mercedes could loan Antonelli to another F1 team if they have the chance to pair Russell with Verstappen in 2026. Wolff is unlikely to want to let the Bologna boy out of his clutches but may have a blessing of riches.