Verstappen criticizes Montoya during the meeting between Wolff and Jos.

      Max Verstappen has responded furiously to Juan Pablo Montoya during a chaotic weekend of Formula 1 speculation in Montreal. Montoya, who has become an increasingly vocal commentator, recently suggested that Verstappen should face a ban for his repeated criticisms of the contentious 2026 regulations in Formula 1. However, Verstappen expressed to De Telegraaf that he has little tolerance for the former Williams and McLaren driver’s remarks.

      “I don’t know what his issue is,” Verstappen stated. “I have very little patience for someone like him who spreads so much nonsense.” He also questioned why individuals like Montoya are compensated by Formula One Management, stating, “You certainly don’t want someone like that in the paddock who shoots off so much rubbish.” Verstappen accused Montoya of trying to stay relevant by being controversial. “It seems to be a case of ‘I’ll say something different from everyone else to stay relevant,’” he commented. “It doesn’t really bother me. It’s his issue.”

      The Dutch driver made it clear that he quickly distances himself from those he can no longer trust. “When I’m done with someone, I’m truly done with them,” Verstappen elaborated. “If someone is just spouting nonsense with negative intentions, I cut ties very quickly.”

      While Verstappen had previously suggested he might leave Formula 1 if the regulations didn't improve, the recent decision to revert to more combustion-engine power from 2027 seems to have alleviated some of his concerns. “The fact that it will improve next year helps me cope with it a bit more now,” he acknowledged. Nevertheless, he clarified that he never genuinely contemplated taking a temporary break. “No, not a sabbatical,” he stated. “That's not my style. If I stop, I stop entirely.”

      Currently, Verstappen feels at ease regarding his future. “Ideally, I’d like to remain with Red Bull for the rest of my life,” he mentioned. “However, that decision doesn’t need to be made today or tomorrow.”

      These remarks coincided with his father Jos being seen engaged in an unusual public conversation with Toto Wolff outside the Mercedes paddock in Montreal. The timing, occurring just before Kimi Antonelli’s media session, sparked immediate speculation in the paddock. However, Red Bull chief Laurent Mekies downplayed any notions of mind games or negotiations, stating, “It’s completely natural for them to have a conversation with Toto.” He added, “Max was racing in a Mercedes last week, a GT3.” Mekies also dismissed rumors that Verstappen might follow former race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase to McLaren, asserting, “Max has told us he’s happy at Red Bull. He is at the center of the project.”

      In another odd incident in the paddock, rumors surrounding former Red Bull sporting director and recently departed Audi chief Jonathan Wheatley were reignited when Canadian GP organizers mistakenly placed Wheatley’s name on Aston Martin parking signs at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, despite him not being in attendance. “We are aware of the printing error that occurred yesterday,” the organizers acknowledged. “The issue has been promptly resolved.”