Juan Pablo Montoya urges Red Bull to ban Max Verstappen from Nordschleife racing. Juan Pablo Montoya urges Red Bull to stop Max Verstappen from racing outside Formula 1.

Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has suggested that Red Bull should put an end to Max Verstappen’s on-track appearances at the Nordschleife. His comments come in the wake of the tragic incident that occurred last weekend during qualifying for the Nürburgring 24 Hours event—an event in which the Dutch driver was also taking part—which resulted in the death of driver Juha Miettinen.

However, in light of this tragedy, Montoya believes Red Bull should step in and stop Verstappen from competing in any racing activities outside Formula 1. Speaking on the MontoyAS podcast, the Colombian said:

“Red Bull should forbid Max Verstappen from racing at the Nordschleife. I’m 100% sure. Actually no—sorry—200%.”

“An accident could happen, he could break a leg or an arm. The money Red Bull has invested in him should be reason enough to say: ‘Listen, we gave you an opportunity, but after this incident we are reconsidering things and we believe this can no longer be allowed.’ Personally, I would have done it if I were the Red Bull boss.”

Continuing his remarks, the former Formula 1 driver added:

“I would have called Max and said: ‘Sir, please do not get in the car anymore.’ In my opinion, it is something they really need to reconsider.”

Juan Pablo Montoya, who ended his Formula 1 career twenty years ago, also admitted that during his own career he was invited to take part in other racing events at the peak of his success, but those opportunities were always blocked by his team.

“For example, it’s true that several times during my career I was invited to drive rally cars and do test sessions,” he said. “I would have loved to do it, but I was never allowed to drive. You invest in a driver—it is a major investment. So you have to protect him.”

The tragic events at the Nürburgring have reignited the debate over whether modern F1 stars should be allowed to risk themselves in high-stakes external events. Juan Pablo Montoya’s perspective highlights the delicate balance between a driver’s personal passion for racing and a team’s need to safeguard its most valuable asset during a high-pressure World Championship campaign.