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Max Verstappen

Red Bull urged to consider Max Verstappen ban

Following a tragic accident at the Nordschleife, Juan Pablo Montoya believes Red Bull should ban Max Verstappen from driving outside of F1.

Verstappen Thursday China
Article
To news overview © Red Bull Content Pool

Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has suggested Red Bull should put a stop to Max Verstappen’s racing excursions at the Nordschleife.

His comments follow a tragic accident during the Nurburgring 24 Hours Qualifiers last weekend, which resulted in the death of driver Juha Miettinen.

Verstappen was also taking part in the event as he prepares for his debut in the 24-hour race next month.

It marked his latest appearance at the Nordschleife, having also competed there towards the end of 2025 and again in March this year.

However, in light of last weekend’s tragedy, Montoya has argued that Red Bull should step in and bring an end to Verstappen’s non-F1 racing activities.

"I have a question about this," Montoya told the MontoyAS podcast

"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, Montoya replied: "100 per cent. No, sorry. 200 per cent.

"There could be an accident, he could break his leg or arm. 

“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, who wrapped up his F1 career 20 years ago, revealed he was invited to take part in other driving opportunities in his heyday, which were blocked by his team.

"For example, it's true that several times during my career I was invited to drive rally cars and do tests,” he said.

“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.

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RESULTS Nurburgring 24 Hours with Max Verstappen - Qualifying 1