Juan Pablo Montoya believes Max Verstappen may have already signed for Mercedes after spotting a clue at the Austrian Grand Prix. The reigning champion has been tipped to leave Red Bull at the end of this year despite being tied down until 2028.

Max Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull through 2028, but a performance clause has given Mercedes and opportunity to poach the world champion.

Rumors of Verstappen jumping ship first erupted last year after Lewis Hamilton’s blockbuster move to Ferrari was confirmed. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff made it clear he’d love to sign the Dutchman to lead the Silver Arrows into F1’s new era starting in 2026, when new chassis and engine regulation changes will shake up the grid.