Max Verstappen’s future in Formula 1 has been a hot topic for over a year, with rumors swirling about a potential exit from Red Bull despite his contract running until 2028. Now, former F1 champion Juan Pablo Montoya has thrown fuel on the fire, predicting that Verstappen is on the verge of receiving “an offer he can’t refuse” from rival team Aston Martin. Could this be the seismic shift that rocks the F1 world? Here’s everything you need to know about the speculation shaking up the sport.

Montoya’s Bold Prediction

Speaking to Vision4Sport, Montoya didn’t hold back: “I think Max will get an offer he can’t refuse from Aston Martin.” The Colombian racing legend, known for his own F1 triumphs, sees a perfect storm brewing for Verstappen’s departure. Red Bull’s dominance—powered by Verstappen’s three consecutive world titles—could face a reckoning, and Aston Martin might be ready to pounce. With whispers of a $1 billion deal floating last year (later denied by the Silverstone-based team), the idea of a blockbuster move isn’t new—but it’s gaining traction.

Verstappen’s contract includes rumored release clauses, and his exit chatter intensified over the past 12 months. Montoya’s prediction hinges on one key factor: Adrian Newey. The engineering genius behind Red Bull’s championship-winning cars recently jumped ship to Aston Martin, setting the stage for a tantalizing reunion with Verstappen. “Adrian’s there, Honda’s there—everything Max has won with is there,” Montoya noted, pointing to the synergy that could lure the Dutch driver.

Timing the Move

Montoya believes Verstappen will give Red Bull a chance to adapt in 2025, especially as Newey settles into his new role at Aston Martin. “Adrian can’t turn it around instantly—it’s a new team, and they need time to gel,” he explained. But the real test comes in 2026, when F1’s new technical regulations could shuffle the pecking order. If Red Bull stumbles out of the gate, Montoya predicts Verstappen won’t hesitate. “If they struggle in year one, I wouldn’t be shocked if, by race three, Max has signed elsewhere,” he said.

The first three races of 2026 could be make-or-break. Should Red Bull falter while Aston Martin shows promise, Verstappen might see greener pastures—literally, given Aston’s iconic green livery. “If I were Max, I’d go to Aston,” Montoya added. “Mercedes is great, but Aston makes sense with Adrian and Honda.”

Why Aston Martin?

Aston Martin’s appeal isn’t just about Newey. The team’s partnership with Honda, Red Bull’s engine supplier during Verstappen’s title runs, offers continuity he might crave. Pair that with ambitious owner Lawrence Stroll’s push to transform Aston into a title contender, and the pieces align. Last year’s $1 billion rumor, though debunked, hinted at the team’s willingness to splash cash for a superstar. With Newey’s technical wizardry, Aston could become a powerhouse by 2026—perfect timing for Verstappen to jump ship.

Red Bull’s Rocky Road

Red Bull has been F1’s gold standard, but cracks are showing. Newey’s exit, internal tensions, and the looming regulation shake-up threaten their reign. Verstappen, at 27, is in his prime and unlikely to stick around if the team can’t deliver wins. Montoya sees potential for Aston to outpace Red Bull in the new era: “Can they be better next year? Sure. But I don’t think they’ll dominate races right away.” For a driver used to victory, even a slight dip could spark a move.

What’s Next for Verstappen?

The F1 rumor mill won’t quiet down anytime soon. Verstappen’s camp has stayed tight-lipped, but his history of bold decisions—like joining Red Bull in 2016—suggests he’s not afraid to gamble. Aston Martin’s trajectory, bolstered by Newey’s arrival, makes it a credible destination. Mercedes remains a wildcard, but Montoya’s money is on Aston. “It’s logical,” he insisted.

The F1 World Watches

As 2025 looms, all eyes are on Verstappen. Will he stay loyal to Red Bull, or will Aston Martin’s “unrefusable offer” rewrite F1 history? With new rules on the horizon and a champion’s legacy at stake, this saga promises drama worthy of the sport’s biggest stage. Stay tuned—Verstappen’s next move could redefine the grid.