Montoya’s shock call: Ban Verstappen from GT3 racing!
Originally published by F1i
Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has called out Red Bull for letting Max Verstappen pursue his growing interest and ambitions in GT3 racing.
As the four-time world champion navigates a rocky start to Red Bull’s 2026 campaign and voices his open disdain for the sport’s new regulations, he’s been moonlighting in the GT3 world.
But after the tragic death of Juha Miettinen last weekend during qualifying for next month’s Nürburgring 24 Hours, Montoya is demanding that Red Bull grow a backbone and ground their star driver.
The fear factor in Milton Keynes
For Montoya, the fact that Verstappen is even allowed to strap into a GT3 car is a sign of weakness at the top. While the Dutchman’s 2026 side-quests have so far resulted in more disqualifications than trophies, the risk of a physical catastrophe is what has Montoya seeing red.
“I have a question about this,” Montoya fired off on the MontoyAS podcast.
“I know that what happened is terrible. Do you think Red Bull would reconsider what permission they give Max to race those cars? No, because they are afraid of losing him.”
©Verstappen.com
It’s a bold accusation: that the world champions are so beholden to their four-time king that they’ve surrendered their right to protect their own assets.
When pushed on whether a total ban should be enforced, Montoya didn't hesitate. “100 per cent. No, sorry. 200 per cent. There could be an accident, he could break his leg or arm.”
Protecting the Investment
Montoya’s argument isn't just about safety; it’s about the cold, hard business of F1. In a sport where a single driver can be worth hundreds of millions in marketing and championship points, the Colombian believes Red Bull is playing a dangerous game of "what if."
“The money that Red Bull has invested in him should be enough reason to say, ‘Look, we gave you the chance, but with this accident we are reconsidering it and we think that this should not happen’,” Montoya insisted.
Juan Pablo Montoya.
“Personally, I would have done it if I had been the boss of Red Bull. I would have called Max and said, ‘Sir, please, don’t get in the car anymore.’ It’s something I think they really need to reconsider.”
Drawing from his own highly successful motorsport career, Montoya recalled how his own bosses kept him on a much shorter leash to ensure he remained fit for Grand Prix Sundays.
“For example, it’s true that several times during my career I was invited to drive rally cars and do tests,” he revealed. “I would have loved that, but they never let me drive. You are investing in the driver – a big investment. Then you have to protect him.”
As Verstappen continues to push the boundaries of his "free time," the question remains: will Red Bull continue to let their star player call the shots, or will Montoya’s warning force a confrontation between the team and its restless champion?