The Colombian driver called on four-time world champion Max Verstappen to change his approach.
Juan Pablo Montoya doesn’t hold back
“It’s not about money or not being first, I’m just not having fun anymore.” Max Verstappen did not hide his feelings after the Japanese Grand Prix, suggesting that leaving Formula 1 in light of regulations he finds unbearable might be more than a hypothetical scenario for the Dutch driver.
Juan Pablo Montoya commented on Verstappen’s statements with the same intensity and directness he was known for on the track. Speaking to Casinostugan, Montoya said: “If he’s not happy racing in F1, he should leave. Threatening to do it won’t achieve much; if he doesn’t like the rules, he should discuss them with the people who make them.”
Montoya: “Accept the situation or be quiet”
Montoya continued, highlighting the core of the issue: “If I were him, I’d stay quiet, accept the situation, and admit that he has a terrible car and that he’s frustrated because his car is a wreck weighing 20 kilograms over the limit and won’t be competitive all season. F1 will go on without him; no one is more important than the sport itself.”
These blunt remarks reflect Montoya’s no-nonsense approach to Formula 1, emphasizing that drivers must focus on adapting to the challenges presented by regulations rather than publicly lamenting them. For Montoya, Verstappen’s complaints highlight frustration, but they do not impact the continuity or excitement of the championship.
The former F1 and IndyCar star underscored that while Max Verstappen is a top driver and multiple world champion, the sport itself is bigger than any individual competitor. His comments implicitly suggest that rather than expressing discontent publicly, the four-time world champion should either push through the challenges or step aside quietly if the situation is intolerable.
In the wake of the Japanese Grand Prix, Verstappen’s remarks about the regulation-induced difficulties have sparked widespread debate among fans and analysts. Montoya’s response adds another perspective, reminding the F1 community that the essence of the sport lies in competition and resilience, not in public grievances or perceived unfairness of the machinery.
By framing the situation this way, Montoya reinforces a key message: Formula 1’s appeal and future do not depend on any single driver, no matter how successful or celebrated. Even if Verstappen were to leave or voice his frustrations, the championship will continue, showcasing the talent of other drivers and the strategic development of the teams competing under the demanding new 2026 regulations.
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