Max Verstappen and Red Bull handed 'rough year' verdict after F1 complaints

Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes Red Bull and Max Verstappen are set for a "rough year" following the Dutchman’s repeated complaints about the new regulations.

It has been a difficult start to 2026 for Verstappen and Red Bull under the new power unit regulations, with the four-time world champion even hinting that he could retire at the end of the season.

So far this campaign, Verstappen has crashed out in qualifying in Australia, retired due to a technical issue in China, and was eliminated in Q2 most recently in Japan.

After three rounds, the 28-year-old has just 12 points and has scored fewer than both Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and Haas’ Oliver Bearman.

Producing everything in-house, including the power unit, has proven to be an immense challenge for the Milton Keynes-based outfit—something that was always going to take time to adjust to.

Verstappen’s criticism of the new F1 rules has not been directed at his own car, but instead at perceived weaknesses in the regulations, which he has described as "Formula E on steroids" and "anti-racing".

Asked for his thoughts on the new F1 regulations and Verstappen's criticism, Montoya told talkSPORT: "I think it's good. I think what people forget is that one of the reasons F1 works is that you need to create something that attracts manufacturers.

"Because, at the end of the day, what really grows the number of manufacturers in the sport is doing something significant and relevant to them.

"And as a driver, when you're young, you don't understand that. Now, when you get a little older and a little wiser, you do. And I understand his frustration because they're not running well.

"And I think, from what you're hearing now, with the rumour that the car is really heavy, like the Williams, they're going to have a rough year. So we're going to hear a lot more from Max, I would assume."