Montoya Finds New Target After Verstappen Feud: 'He Never Liked Me, the Feeling Is Mutual'

Juan Pablo Montoya has added Martin Brundle to his list of targets following his recent public spat with Max Verstappen, revealing a long-standing mutual dislike with the Sky Sports commentator.

The former Williams and McLaren driver, who sparked controversy by suggesting Verstappen should face penalty points for criticizing F1 regulations, now claims Brundle has "never liked" him — and the feeling is mutual. The exchange happened during the Canadian Grand Prix grid walk, when Brundle confronted Montoya about upsetting Verstappen.

Why it matters:

Montoya's comments expose the simmering tensions between former drivers turned pundits and active competitors, a dynamic that often fuels drama in F1's media ecosystem. His willingness to call out both a reigning champion and a veteran broadcaster adds a layer of personal conflict to ongoing debates about driver conduct and regulation criticism.

The details:

• Montoya initially argued that drivers who repeatedly badmouth F1 should receive penalty points or race disqualifications, applying the same logic to Verstappen when asked.
• Verstappen fired back, dismissing Montoya as someone who "talks so much nonsense" and questioning why such figures are paid by F1's management for media work.
• On the Montreal grid, Brundle approached Montoya saying, "I see you have pissed off Max." Montoya replied: "Nothing new there."
• Speaking to a betting site afterward, Montoya clarified there's no feud with Verstappen — they greet each other and get along — but acknowledged a lack of chemistry with Brundle.

Between the lines:

Montoya's remarks also drew a response from Verstappen's GT racing teammate Dani Juncadella, who defended the Dutchman against criticism from ex-Haas boss Guenther Steiner. Steiner had joked that Verstappen would love the 2026 rules if he had won Canada, but Juncadella insisted Verstappen's concerns have been consistent since 2023, regardless of results.

What's next:

With the 2026 regulations looming and tensions already high, Montoya's outspoken stance could lead to further clashes as more drivers and pundits weigh in. Whether this becomes a recurring sideshow or fades quickly remains to be seen, but Montoya has made it clear he won't stay quiet.