Montoya tells Verstappen to stop complaining or leave F1

Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has delivered a blunt critique of Max Verstappen, telling the reigning champion to either stop publicly criticizing the sport's regulations or walk away from it entirely. The comments come as Martin Brundle also labeled Verstappen's repeated hints at a potential exit as "boring," highlighting growing impatience with the narrative within the racing community.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's vocal dissatisfaction, particularly regarding the 2026 regulations and Red Bull's current competitive struggles, has become a dominant subplot of the season. This public friction between a superstar driver and the sport's establishment raises questions about driver influence, the health of the competition, and how F1 manages the transition to its next generation of talent should a top name depart.

The details:

• Montoya's Ultimatum: In stark terms, Montoya suggested Verstappen lacks conviction, stating, "If you're unhappy with the rules, then talk to people instead of threatening that you're going to leave." He advised the Dutchman to "shut up, deal with it and admit that he's in a shitty car."
• 'Nobody's bigger than the sport': The core of Montoya's argument is that Formula 1 will continue with or without any individual. He likened the situation to a failing marriage, implying a clean break would be better than ongoing public discontent.
• Brundle's Fatigue: Sky Sports pundit Martin Brundle echoed the sentiment, calling the constant exit speculation repetitive. He urged Verstappen to either commit to leaving or stop fuelling the rumors, emphasizing that drivers should cherish their time in F1.
• The Next Generation: Brundle pointedly noted that a wave of young talent like Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Oliver Bearman is ready to step in, performing at a high level for a fraction of the cost, underscoring the sport's relentless forward momentum.

What's next:

The ball is now in Verstappen's court. The continued complaints risk diminishing his stature and becoming a distracting sideshow, even if they are an authentic reflection of his frustration. For F1 and Red Bull, the focus will be on navigating this tension while developing their 2026 car, the performance of which will likely be the ultimate factor in determining Verstappen's long-term future in the sport.