Juan Pablo Montoya points to a ‘political reason’ behind Max Verstappen’s recent complaints

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Max Verstappen has made it no secret he is not a fan of the new Formula 1 regulations, but Juan Pablo Montoya believes it is not coming from an honest place.

Max Verstappen hasn’t found much success this season, as Red Bull have struggled to make a serious impact in 2026.

Verstappen called the new regulations ‘Formula E on steroids’, suggesting that he isn’t happy with the hybridised direction that the sport is taking.

Would Max Verstappen be complaining about F1’s 2026 regulations if he had joined Mercedes?

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Verstappen’s criticisms have not gone down well with fans, with many suggesting that the four-time world champion is upset because he isn’t in a position to win anymore.

Verstappen was even negatively compared to Michael Schumacher after his complaints. But Juan Pablo Montoya believes Verstappen is doing what many drivers before and after him have done.

READ MORE: Nelson Piquet Jr is certain Max Verstappen would ‘be quiet’ about 2026 F1 cars if he was at Mercedes

Juan Pablo Montoya says Max Verstappen’s complaints are politically motivated to tip scales in his favour

Juan Pablo Montoya addressed Max Verstappen’s vocal critiques of the new Formula 1 regulations in an interview with RacingNews 365.

He noted that Verstappen wouldn’t be as upset about the regulations if he and Red Bull were winning. He added that drivers like Verstappen often criticise aspects of racing to turn things in their favour.

“I think Max wouldn’t have complained so much if he had won all the races. I think it’s mainly a matter of venting now, that’s something completely different.”

“It’s just the same for me, too. You’re complaining now because you have to push with the battery, instead of with a folding rear wing.”

“In both cases, you accelerate more than you should. When I was still driving Formula 1, we didn’t have anything like that at all.”

“But the reality is that it’s all there to make it a better show. I think people don’t understand the theory behind it. People listen too much to the drivers, but forget that there is always a political reason behind comments from drivers.”

READ MORE: What many F1 ‘experts’ are now saying about 2026 regulations amid Max Verstappen complaints

You’re the FIA: What’s the first thing you would change in the 2026 regulations?

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Juan Pablo Montoya urges Max Verstappen to not make ‘damaging’ comments about Formula 1

Speaking further in the interview, Montoya noted that Verstappen’s comments were just him ‘blowing off steam.’ However, when these comments begin to reflect poorly on the sport, Verstappen is in the wrong.

“Ultimately, it’s nothing more than blowing off steam. For example, I’m in a podcast, and I said there that Formula 1 shouldn’t allow this.”

“It’s okay to respond to something or have an opinion. I’m not saying that’s not allowed. But it shouldn’t damage the sport you participate in.”

Montoya is far from the only person to weigh in on Max’s criticisms. Many believe that Verstappen should get used to the new regulations, as the FIA cannot make overarching changes very quickly.

While others believe Max should focus on being a leader for Red Bull, as the team are struggling just as he is, and need a steady presence to turn things around.