Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
Montoya says Red Bull should stop Verstappen racing at the Nordschleife
Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes Red Bull should ban Max Verstappen from competing outside Formula 1 after the fatal accident during last weekend’s Nürburgring 24 Hours Qualifiers. The Colombian says the team must protect its biggest investment.
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Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has said Red Bull Racing should seriously reconsider allowing Max Verstappen to race at the Nordschleife.
His comments came after a tragic accident during the Nürburgring 24 Hours Qualifiers, where driver Juha Miettinen lost his life. Verstappen was also competing in the event as part of his preparation for his planned debut in next month’s 24-hour race.
The Dutchman has become a regular visitor to the Nordschleife, having raced there at the end of 2025 and again earlier this year.
Montoya believes the risks are too high and said Red Bull should step in immediately.
"I have a question about this. 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. When asked if Red Bull should impose a ban on letting Verstappen race outside of F1: 100 per cent. No, sorry. 200 per cent. There could be an accident, he could break his leg or arm," said Montoya in the MontoyAS podcast.
Montoya laso added that the level of Red Bull’s investment in Verstappen should be enough reason to stop such activities.
"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'. 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."
Montoya also revealed he faced similar restrictions during his own racing career.
"For example, it's true that several times during my career I was invited to drive rally cars and do tests. 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," the former F1 driver concluded.
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