Ex-F1 driver demands Aston Martin to sign Max Verstappen and sack Fernando Alonso
Juan Pablo Montoya believed that Max Verstappen was a better option for Aston Martin than Fernando Alonso amidst incessant struggles.
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Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso (images via IMAGO)
Aston Martin’s disappointing performance in the 2024 season has caused the team to fall significantly in the standings. The Silverstone-based constructor still has a highly experienced and motivated driver in the form of Fernando Alonso. The Asturian has attempted his best to score points this season despite the slump in AMR24’s performance. Regardless, the Ex-F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya demanded Alonso to be replaced by Max Verstappen.
The three-time world champion Max Verstappen has defied all odds and performed impressively amidst Red Bull’s struggles this year. Additionally, Aston Martin has struck a deal with the Honda from 2026 followed by the recent Adrian Newey acquisition. These factors would favor Verstappen to perform well with the Silverstone-based team.
Juan Pablo Montoya reckoned that Lance Stroll was unlikely to be removed from the team anytime soon. Moreover, Fernando Alonso wasn’t a ‘long-term’ plan for Aston Martin. Hence, after acquiring Honda’s engine and Newey, it was natural to aim for Max Verstappen. However, Montoya believed that Silverstone would have to provide the Dutchman with a similar if not better offer than Adrian Newey.
Fernando is amazing, I don’t think Lance is going anywhere. Fernando is not a long-term option. When do they make that decision and go, Hey, we’ve got Honda, we’ve got Newey. Why not go after Max? That would involve offering Max the same kind of deal that Newey got but a better one to do.
Juan Pablo Montoya told Gambling Zone
Max Verstappen will increase Aston Martin’s worth ‘even more’
Aston Martin currently has the advantage of huge funds because of Lawrence Stroll. However, Max Verstappen’s dominant performance would enable the team to gain more funds. Juan Pablo Montoya highlighted that the long-term plan with Verstappen would take the team to greater heights financially.
Because then it’s a long-term project, Then you have one of the best drivers in the world, if not the best, the current best driver in the championship. The better he does, the more money he’s going to make long term. Because the company is going to be worth even more.
Juan Pablo Montoya added
Verstappen has showcased his utter loyalty towards Red Bull and his contract with the team. The Dutchman is highly unlikely to consider leaving his long-time team in Formula 1 for any other outfit. However, Keeping in view the massive slump of Red Bull this year, it could force the reigning world champion to reconsider his decision to stay with the Milton-Keynes-based team.
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Aditya Pandya
(1388 Articles Published)