Max Verstappen Fires Back at Juan Pablo Montoya Over F1… read more 👇 details in the comments section
has hit back at former Formula 1 racer after the ex-driver suggested the reigning world champion should face punishment for publicly criticising the sport and its new regulations.
The latest war of words began after Montoya, now a pundit and analyst for broadcasts, voiced his frustration with Verstappen’s repeated complaints about the 2026 Formula 1 regulations. The Dutch star has been highly critical of the sport’s revised chassis and power unit rules, arguing that the changes have negatively affected the racing experience.
Montoya, who competed in Formula 1 between 2001 and 2006 with and , did not hold back when discussing Verstappen’s comments earlier this month. Speaking on a BBC Formula 1 podcast, the Colombian insisted that drivers should show greater respect toward the sport, even when they disagree with its direction.
According to Montoya, Verstappen’s criticism crossed a line and should potentially lead to disciplinary action from the FIA. He even suggested adding penalty points to Verstappen’s super licence, claiming the governing body should consider temporarily suspending the four-time champion if the complaints continued.
The remarks quickly generated headlines across the paddock, especially given Verstappen’s reputation for speaking openly about issues within Formula 1. The Red Bull driver has never been afraid to challenge decisions made by the FIA or Formula One Management, particularly when it comes to rule changes he believes hurt competition.
Now, Verstappen has delivered a fierce response.
In an interview with Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, the 28-year-old questioned why Formula 1 continues to employ pundits who, in his opinion, make controversial comments simply to attract attention. Verstappen dismissed Montoya’s statements as “nonsense” and made it clear he has little interest in taking the criticism seriously.
The reigning world champion said he could not understand why individuals like Montoya are given a platform within the sport while constantly making inflammatory remarks. Verstappen suggested the former race winner intentionally says outrageous things to remain relevant in the media spotlight.
Despite the strong language, Verstappen also insisted that Montoya’s comments do not personally affect him. The Dutchman explained that he prefers to focus on his own life and career rather than allow outside opinions to distract him.
However, the Red Bull star admitted he quickly distances himself from people he believes have negative intentions. Verstappen explained that he trusts his instincts when dealing with others and has no problem cutting ties once he feels someone is acting dishonestly or unfairly toward him.
The exchange has added another layer of tension to an already heated Formula 1 season, with debates around the new regulations continuing to divide drivers, teams, and analysts. Verstappen has been one of the most vocal critics of the changes, while others within the paddock believe drivers should be more careful about publicly attacking the sport.
Montoya’s own Formula 1 career was filled with outspoken moments and fierce rivalries, making him no stranger to controversy himself. The Colombian remains one of the few drivers in motorsport history to win races in Formula 1, IndyCar, and NASCAR, alongside legends such as and .
Still, his recent criticism of Verstappen appears to have seriously irritated the Dutch champion, who rarely backs down from confrontation.
With Montoya now working regularly around the Formula 1 paddock and Verstappen continuing to dominate headlines, the tension between the two figures is unlikely to disappear anytime soon. Their next face-to-face encounter during a race weekend could make for an extremely awkward moment, particularly if Montoya ends up interviewing Verstappen after a grand prix.