Montoya: “Verstappen didn’t risk accidents with Hamilton because Red Bull needs points”

First podium of 2026 for Max and Red Bull Max Verstappen and Red Bull in Canada achieved the first podium of 2026. McLaren’s strategic error at the start and George Russell’s technical knockout favored the top-3 of the four-time world champion who did not exaggerate in defending his position when he was attacked by Lewis Hamilton nor was he too aggressive when he attempted a counterattack. Juan Pablo Montoya believes that it was too important for Verstappen and above all for Red Bull to finally get their hands on important points: “Now I will say something nice about Max so everyone will think that I am licking his ass even if that is not the case at all – said the Colombian reached by sports betting in reference to the dialectical back and forth that saw Montoya and Verstappen as protagonists – Max did not exaggerate in the counterattack on Hamilton trying to throw him out as he would normally have done. He had two opportunities to attack in Turn-1, Hamilton closed the door and Verstappen didn’t attack because he knew that Red Bull needed points and a good result.” “When you have a car that wins every week you can even retire once because you’re sure you can aim for victory in the next race – added Montoya – in the situation Red Bull is in now, championship points are fundamental, as is getting good results for the team and motivating it.”

Automobile Magazine – F1 English News , 2026-05-27 16:00:00