Juan Pablo Montoya has called for Red Bull to prohibit Max Verstappen from competing in GT3 races, citing safety concerns following the recent fatal accident of driver Juha Miettinen. Montoya argues that allowing Verstappen to race while the team faces challenges in the 2026 F1 regulations reflects weak leadership. He critiques Red Bull's hesitance to restrict their star driver out of fear of losing him, which he believes jeopardizes both safety and financial investments. Montoya emphasizes that safeguarding Verstappen should take precedence over his racing aspirations.

By the Numbers
  • Verstappen has experienced more disqualifications than wins in the current season.
  • Montoya asserts he would have enforced a ban "200 percent" to protect the investment Red Bull has in Verstappen.
State of Play
  • Verstappen is actively pursuing GT3 racing while navigating challenges in his F1 campaign.
  • There is growing tension within Red Bull as Montoya's comments bring attention to safety and business implications.
What's Next

Red Bull may face internal discussions about regulating Verstappen's extracurricular racing, particularly under safety scrutiny. Future decisions could shape the dynamics between the team management and their star driver as they navigate this controversial issue.

Bottom Line

The debate on Verstappen's participation in GT3 racing highlights a critical decision point for Red Bull: balancing driver freedom with safety and financial responsibility. Montoya's strong stance may prompt Red Bull to reevaluate their risk management strategies moving forward.