Verstappen urged to make final call on F1 future: 'He needs to make up his mind'

The four-time world champion appeared visibly frustrated after qualifying in Montreal, suggesting he had repeatedly raised concerns with the team but had ultimately decided to let them learn the lesson for themselves: “Sometimes you have to let the team do their thing and clearly make it known that it’s not right and that it doesn’t work like this. I said: go ahead. If you really think this is how it works, then we’ll do that. I’ve pointed it out so many times, but sometimes you just have to feel that it doesn’t work.”

Speaking about Verstappen’s remarks on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast, Schumacher suggested the Dutchman’s public criticism of Red Bull was a sign of underlying tensions within the team and should have been handled internally.

While he praised Verstappen’s honesty and willingness to speak openly, Schumacher argued that such matters are best kept behind closed doors. He also pointed to what he sees as mixed messages regarding the Dutchman's future, noting that Verstappen has at times expressed confidence about continuing beyond 2026, while on other occasions hinting that ongoing frustrations could affect his long-term motivation.

“Verstappen was clearly frustrated. He said he had to let the team run into the wall. I told him that’s the wrong approach. It also shows there are tensions within the team. While I appreciate that he wears his heart on his sleeve and is very open about these things, matters like that should really stay in-house.”

Schumacher concluded by saying Verstappen should eventually make a firm decision about his future, allowing both himself and Red Bull to focus fully on what lies ahead: “One day he says he’ll be driving in 2027, that everything is fine and that he feels comfortable. The next day he says that if things continue like this, he could start losing his enjoyment again. It’s all a bit complicated. At some point, he needs to make up his mind, and the whole team has to focus on looking forward.”

A media war erupted between Max Verstappen and Montoya during the Canadian Grand Prix weekend after the Colombian suggested that drivers who speak negatively about Formula 1 should receive penalty points or even be disqualified. The comments caught Verstappen’s attention, with the Dutchman hitting back by saying: “I don’t know what his problem is. I also don't care much for someone who talks so much nonsense. I just don’t understand why types like that get paid by the management of Formula 1, as he sometimes works for them.”

A few days later, Montoya responded, insisting there was no real conflict between the two and suggesting Verstappen may have overreacted. He explained that they have spoken at races in the past and have always gotten along well, adding that he also regularly greets Jos Verstappen. Montoya reiterated that his view was simply that drivers who publicly criticise Formula 1 should face sporting sanctions, and that when asked whether the rule should apply to Verstappen, he answered yes. He also noted that Verstappen’s response only came after he was specifically asked about the comments.