Max Verstappen strongly responded to the recent statements of Juan Pablo Montoya, who called for harsher sanctions against the Red Bull driver.
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Tensions around Max Verstappen and his criticisms of the 2026 regulations continue to fuel debates in the paddock. After the Miami Grand Prix, Juan Pablo Montoya was particularly harsh towards the four-time world champion.
The former Colombian driver notably believed that the FIA should punish Verstappen much more severely when he crosses certain limits, even suggesting an automatic suspension.
“They should add seven or eight points to his super license and bench him” Montoya said, convinced that such treatment would immediately change the Dutchman’s behavior.
These remarks obviously did not escape the Red Bull driver.
Verstappen dismantles Montoya’s statements
When asked about these criticisms, Verstappen did not mince his words. The Red Bull driver clearly expressed his incomprehension towards the media statements of the former Indianapolis 500 winner.
“I don’t know what his problem is” Verstappen explained in comments relayed by De Telegraaf.
The Dutchman then became even more direct towards Montoya: “I really can’t take someone seriously who talks so much nonsense.”
Visibly annoyed, Verstappen also questions the place given to Montoya in some Formula 1-related media.
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“I don’t understand why people like him are sometimes paid by F1 when they say so much absurd stuff.”
Verstappen accuses Montoya of seeking attention
For the world champion, these statements mainly have a media objective: to create controversy to stay visible in the paddock.
“I feel like it’s simply a way to say something different from others to stay relevant” Verstappen added.
Despite this frontal attack, the Red Bull driver assures he is not personally affected by such comments.
“It doesn’t really bother me. It’s his problem, not mine. I just keep living my life.”
A tense relationship with some former drivers
For several seasons, Verstappen has had sometimes tense relationships with some former drivers turned consultants or columnists. His aggressive style on track, his regular criticisms of the FIA, and his very direct stances still divide the paddock.
But true to his character, the Dutchman clearly refuses to change his approach to please his detractors. And this new response addressed to Montoya confirms once again that Verstappen does not intend to let any attack go without reacting.
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