Montoya predicts 'rough year' for Verstappen and Red Bull amid driver's regulation criticism

Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes Max Verstappen and Red Bull are in for a "rough year" as the reigning champion continues to voice strong criticism of the sport's new 2026 regulations. Verstappen, who has hinted at possible retirement, has endured a difficult start to the season with multiple setbacks, while his team struggles with the challenge of producing its first in-house power unit.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's vocal frustration is more than just a top driver having a bad run; it represents a significant critique of Formula 1's technical direction from its most prominent current champion. His description of the new rules as "anti-racing" challenges the core philosophy of the changes and could fuel wider debate about the sport's identity as Red Bull, a dominant force for years, appears unexpectedly vulnerable.

The details:

• Verstappen's 2026 season has been plagued by poor results, including a crash in Australian qualifying, a technical retirement in China, and a Q2 exit in Japan.
• After three rounds, he sits with only 12 points—fewer than Alpine's Pierre Gasly and Haas rookie Oliver Bearman—highlighting Red Bull's dramatic performance drop.
• The team's major hurdle is the new in-house power unit, a massive undertaking that insiders knew would require a lengthy adjustment period.
• Verstappen has directed his complaints not at his car's specific faults, but at the regulations themselves, labeling them "Formula E on steroids."
• Montoya, speaking to talkSPORT, offered perspective, noting that such major regulation shifts are designed to attract manufacturers by being technologically relevant, a point younger drivers may not initially appreciate.
• The Colombian veteran directly linked Verstappen's criticism to his team's performance struggles, suggesting the complaints will continue if the car remains uncompetitive.

The big picture:

The situation underscores a pivotal moment for both Verstappen and Red Bull. After years of supremacy, they are now on the back foot, testing the team's resilience and the driver's patience in a new era. Verstappen's public skepticism and retirement hints put immense pressure on F1's leadership to prove the new rules deliver exciting racing, while Red Bull must accelerate its development to prevent a prolonged slump.

What's next:

All eyes will be on whether Red Bull can find solutions to its car's rumored weight and reliability issues in the coming European races. Verstappen's tone and performance will be a key barometer. If the struggles persist, his criticism will likely grow louder, potentially forcing a broader conversation about the 2026 regulations' success and his own long-term future in the sport.