Former Formula 1 race winner Juan Pablo Montoya has predicted that Max Verstappen will receive "an offer he can't refuse" from Aston Martin, potentially luring him away from Red Bull.
Verstappen currently has a contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season.
However, speculation about an early exit has persisted over the past 12 months amid talk of an exit clause.
Last year, reports suggested Aston Martin was considering a $1 billion offer to poach Verstappen, though the Silverstone-based team denied these claims.
Max Verstappen has been told he has an offer he cannot refuse from Aston Martin
ReutersMontoya told Vision4Sport: "I think Max will get an offer he can't refuse from Aston Martin."
The Colombian believes Verstappen might give Red Bull a chance initially as the 2026 regulations come into effect.
"But if Red Bull struggles in year one, then it wouldn't surprise me if by race three Max has already signed with somebody else," he added.
Montoya suggested Verstappen could wait to see how Adrian Newey settles at Aston Martin before making any decision.
"He might give Red Bull a chance for a year and a chance for Adrian to start figuring it out," Montoya explained.
The appeal of Aston Martin for Verstappen is clear, according to Montoya.
"If I was Max, I would go to Aston. Mercedes would be cool too, but Aston would be the logical choice having Adrian and Honda. Everything he has won with is there."
Verstappen has won all four world titles with Newey-designed cars.
Montoya also speculated about how Verstappen's arrival would impact Aston Martin's current lineup.
"If Verstappen joined Aston Martin, Fernando Alonso will retire and become an ambassador for life for the company," he said.
Adrian Newey signed a £30m-a-year deal with Aston Martin
PAThe Colombian believes Lance Stroll's position is secure due to his father Lawrence's ownership of the team.
"If you take Lance out of the equation, then you lose Lawrence. And if you lose Lawrence, you lose everything," Montoya explained.
Alonso's current contract ends in 2026, potentially creating a timely opening.
Verstappen currently trails championship leader Lando Norris by eight points heading into the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend.
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Despite the speculation, Verstappen has repeatedly told media outlets he's not considering leaving Red Bull at present.
However, Montoya suggests this stance could change if Red Bull continues to struggle for race victories.
The 2026 season, with its new technical regulations, could prove pivotal in Verstappen's decision-making process.
The Dutchman will be joined by Yuki Tsunoda as his new teammate at Red Bull for the upcoming race in Japan.
