Juan Pablo Montoya believes Max Verstappen’s unsuccessful bid for the 2025 Formula 1 title will quickly fade from memory, arguing that history tends to remember champions rather than near-misses. Despite Verstappen’s high standards, Montoya feels this particular season will not define his legacy.
The former F1 race winner suggested that setbacks, even for drivers of Verstappen’s calibre, are often overlooked once new seasons begin. In his view, the Dutch driver’s previous achievements outweigh a single campaign that failed to deliver a championship.
Montoya also dismissed any suggestion that Verstappen could be considered a future option for Mercedes, should the team look beyond George Russell or rising talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli. He made it clear that Verstappen does not fit into Mercedes’ long-term plans as he sees them.
According to Montoya, Mercedes appear committed to building around their current drivers and younger prospects rather than pursuing established champions from rival teams. This approach, he argues, aligns better with their future-focused strategy.
Ultimately, Montoya believes Verstappen’s 2025 season will be little more than a footnote in F1 history, quickly overshadowed by new storylines, fresh rivalries, and the ongoing evolution of the grid.
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