Montoya urges Red Bull to ban Verstappen from GT3 racing

Summary Four‑time world champion Juan Pablo Montoya has urged Red Bull to bar Max Verstappen from GT3 racing after a fatal crash at the Nürburgring 24 Hours highlighted the dangers of the Dutch driver’s extra‑series outings. Montoya says the risk to Verstappen’s health and Red Bull’s multi‑hundred‑million‑dollar investment is unacceptable.

Why it matters

Driver safety and financial stakes are at the core of Montoya’s demand. GT3 cars lack the rigorous safety standards of F1, and a crash could jeopardize Red Bull’s multi‑hundred‑million‑dollar investment in Verstappen, as well as the team’s championship campaign.

The details

• Montoya told his “MontoyAS” podcast, “If Red Bull cares about Max, they should stop him from getting into a GT3 car. The risk of a broken leg or worse is real.”
• The plea follows the death of Juha Miettinen during qualifying for the Nürburgring 24 Hours, underscoring GT3’s inherent risk.
• Verstappen’s GT3 outings have already resulted in two disqualifications this season, drawing criticism from rivals and fans.

What’s next

Red Bull could invoke contract clauses to bar high‑risk activities, a step it has taken with other drivers in the past. Meanwhile, the FIA may tighten its “outside‑competition” rules if more drivers pursue non‑F1 events.

The clash pits driver freedom against a team’s financial and championship imperatives.