Montoya dringt aan op stop zetten aan Verstappens gt-debuut
Nürburg, maandag, 27 april 2026.
De ex-formule 1-coureur Juan Pablo Montoya roept Red Bull op om Max Verstappen te weren van zijn geplande gt-debuut bij de 24 uur van de Nürburgring. Dit na een dodelijk ongeluk tijdens een kwalificatierace op dezelfde baan. Montoya wijst op de enorme investering die Red Bull in Verstappen heeft gedaan. Volgens hem moet dat reden genoeg zijn om extra risico’s te vermijden. Hijzelf mocht tijdens zijn carrière nooit rallys rijden, ondanks herhaalde kans. Nu vindt hij dat Red Bull strenger moet zijn. Ook reageert hij fel op het interview van Lando Norris met The Guardian. Montoya noemt de journalisten vaak onbetrouwbaar en zegt dat ze coureurs bewust in het nauw kunnen drijven.
montoya calls for verstappen gt racing ban after nürburgring fatality
Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has urged Red Bull to prohibit Max Verstappen from competing in GT races outside the Formula 1 calendar. His warning follows the fatal crash involving Finnish driver Juha Miettinen during NLS qualifying at the Nürburgring on April 4, 2026 [1]. Montoya emphasized the significant financial investment Red Bull has made in Verstappen, arguing this warrants greater caution [1]. He stated he would have intervened directly if in charge, saying: ‘Sir, please, don’t get in the car anymore’ [1].
red bull’s historical caution contrasts with current approach
Montoya highlighted a perceived double standard in Red Bull’s risk management, recalling that the team blocked his own attempts to participate in rally events during his career [1]. Despite being invited several times to test rally cars, he claimed Red Bull refused permission [1]. Now, Montoya questions why similar protective measures are not applied to Verstappen, who remains central to Red Bull’s F1 ambitions [1]. Team principal Laurent Mekies previously expressed support for Verstappen’s Nürburgring plans, citing renewed energy from diverse racing [1].
safety concerns overshadow planned nürburgring 24 hours debut
Max Verstappen was scheduled to make his debut at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in May 2026, pending the tragic incident that halted the event prior to his participation [1]. The crash that killed experienced privateer Juha Miettinen intensified scrutiny on endurance racing safety protocols at the Nordschleife [1]. Though Verstappen did not take part, Montoya argues that merely appearing on such a dangerous circuit poses reputational and physical risks [1]. He believes Red Bull should prioritize long-term interests over short-term brand expansion [1].
montoya defends norris against guardian interview backlash
Separately, Montoya criticized The Guardian’s handling of an interview with Lando Norris conducted on April 20, 2026 [2]. Although the discussion was meant to exclude sensitive topics involving Max Verstappen and George Russell, the journalist reportedly pursued those lines anyway [2]. Montoya condemned this breach of trust, calling it professionally irresponsible [2]. He warned journalists who exploit limited access undermine future candidness, noting that ‘very few journalists are people you can trust’ [2]. The remarks sparked debate on press ethics in motorsport reporting [2].
ongoing tensions between drivers and media spotlight
Norris’s management stepped in following public reaction to the interview, which stirred controversy across social platforms [2]. Montoya related the situation to personal experiences where offhand comments were amplified beyond context [2]. He cautioned that allowing 80 percent of an article to focus on a restricted topic defeats agreed boundaries [2]. While Verstappen has not commented publicly on the proposed GT ban, internal discussions at Red Bull may intensify ahead of upcoming decisions [1][2]. Helmut Marko’s past emphasis on legacy—such as matching Schumacher’s seven titles—adds pressure [1].