May 23 (GMM) Max Verstappen has angrily hit back at Juan Pablo Montoya amid a wild weekend of Formula 1 silly season speculation in Montreal.
Montoya, an increasingly outspoken pundit, recently suggested Verstappen should be banned for repeatedly criticising Formula 1’s controversial 2026 regulations.
But Verstappen told De Telegraaf he has no patience for the former Williams and McLaren driver.
“I don’t know what his problem is,” Verstappen said. “I also have very little patience with someone like that who talks so much nonsense.”
“I just don’t understand why types like that get paid by Formula One Management.
“Surely you don’t want someone like that in the paddock who spouts so much rubbish.”
Verstappen accused Montoya of simply trying to remain relevant.
“I think it’s a case of ‘I say something different from everyone else, so I remain relevant,'” he said.
“It doesn’t bother me that much. It’s his problem.”
The Dutchman also made clear he quickly cuts people off once trust disappears.
“When I’m done with someone, I’m really done with them,” Verstappen explained. “If someone is just sitting there babbling nonsense and has negative motives, I’m done with them quickly.”
Although Verstappen previously hinted he could walk away from Formula 1 if the regulations continued heading in the wrong direction, the recent decision to move back toward more combustion-engine power from 2027 appears to have eased some concerns.
“That it will be better next year helps me come to terms with it a bit more now,” he admitted.
Still, Verstappen insisted he never seriously considered taking a temporary break. “No, not a sabbatical,” he said.
“I’m not that kind of person. If I stop, I stop completely.”
For now, Verstappen says he remains relaxed about his future.
“Ideally, I’d like to stay associated with Red Bull for the rest of my life,” he said.
“But making that decision doesn’t have to happen today or tomorrow.”
The comments came at around the same time as Verstappen’s father Jos was spotted in an unusually public discussion with Toto Wolff outside the Mercedes paddock area in Montreal.
The timing – immediately before Kimi Antonelli’s media session – triggered immediate speculation throughout the paddock.
However, Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies played down suggestions of mind games or negotiations. “It’s completely natural that they can have a conversation with Toto,” the Frenchman said.
“Max was racing in a Mercedes last week, a GT3.”
Mekies also dismissed suggestions Verstappen could follow former race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase to McLaren.
“Max is telling us he’s happy at Red Bull,” he insisted.
“He is at the heart of the project.”
Meanwhile, another bizarre paddock incident briefly reignited rumours surrounding former Red Bull sporting director and recently-departed Audi chief Jonathan Wheatley.
Canadian GP organisers accidentally placed Wheatley’s name on Aston Martin parking signage at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve – despite Wheatley not even attending the event.
“We are aware of the printing error that occurred yesterday,” organisers said. “The problem has been resolved immediately.”
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
There are motorsport events, and then there is the Indianapolis 500, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Next year marks Grand Prix Tours' 42nd Indianapolis 500 tour and our decades of experience and local connections provide exclusive access that few fans ever enjoy, including police escorts on race day, a Dallara IndyCar Factory tour, Gasoline Alley and Legends Day, the Driver Introduction Ceremony, and a private dinner with former Indy driver Derek Daly. Combined with excellent hotel accommodations, seamless event planning, and Grand Prix Tours' signature service, this is far more than a race weekend; it's a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experience. With tour spaces limited each year, we encourage you to reserve your place early for the 111th Indianapolis 500.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Formula 1 at its most iconic with an unforgettable trip to the 2027 Grand Prix de Monaco. Feel the excitement as the world’s best drivers race through the legendary streets of Monte Carlo, surrounded by superyachts, Mediterranean views, and the unmistakable glamour of Monaco. From incredible race viewing to carefully selected accommodations, Grand Prix Tours brings you closer to the action at one of the most prestigious and spectacular events in all of motorsport.
SHOW PACKAGES
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the ultimate test of speed, strategy, and endurance. Watch the world's top manufacturers battle for 24 nonstop hours in one of motorsport's most prestigious events. With Grand Prix Tours handling your accommodations, transfers, and ticket options, all that's left is to experience this unforgettable bucket-list race.
SHOW PACKAGES
Feel the roar of Formula 1 at its spiritual home. Silverstone is one of the fastest and most demanding circuits in the world, where brave overtakes, lightning-fast direction changes, and flat-out commitment separate the best from the rest. Combined with the electric atmosphere created by hundreds of thousands of passionate fans, the British Grand Prix delivers a race weekend unlike any other.
SHOW PACKAGES