Max Verstappen’s repeated criticisms of the 2026 F1 version do not go unnoticed. Juan Pablo Montoya demands strong sanctions… up to a suspension.
The former Williams and McLaren driver, Juan Pablo Montoya, did not mince his words. Faced with Max Verstappen’s repeated criticisms of the new 2026 rules, the Colombian believes that the FIA must react firmly. According to him, some statements by the four-time world champion cross the acceptable limits.
“You have to respect the sport, he says. I understand that you don’t like the regulations, but the way he talks about it, while he lives from this sport, should have consequences.”
Penalty points… or even a suspension
Montoya goes even further by proposing a concrete sanction: adding a significant number of penalty points to Verstappen’s super license, which could quickly bring him closer to an automatic suspension.
“Put him on the bench. Add seven or eight points to his license. No matter what you do next, he will have to calm down”, he says. Such a sanction would dangerously bring the Dutchman closer to the 12-point threshold, which means exclusion for a race.
Currently, Verstappen already has some points after a collision with George Russell last season. A new accumulation could therefore have serious consequences.
Criticisms deemed too harsh
Since the introduction of the new rules, Verstappen has established himself as one of the most vocal opponents. He notably called these cars “anti-racing” and compared them to a video game.
Montoya accepts the criticism… but not the form: “I’m not saying he shouldn’t express himself. He totally has the right to dislike these rules, he nuances. But comparing a Formula 1 to a Mario Kart is not acceptable.”
The Colombian insists on the need to keep a constructive discourse, especially for a driver as influential as Verstappen, whose words resonate strongly in the paddock.
Between personal opinion and team strategy
Montoya also mentions another dimension: the potential influence of teams in these public statements. According to him, drivers’ statements are not always completely spontaneous.
“There are two things: what he really thinks, and what his team might ask him to say, he explains. Politics plays a huge role in Formula 1.”
For his part, Verstappen has always stated that his criticisms were not related to the performance of Red Bull Racing, recalling that he already expressed his reservations well before these new rules came into effect.
A controversy far from over
This new episode illustrates growing tension around the direction taken by Formula 1. Between defending the image of the sport and the freedom of expression of the drivers, the line remains thin.
But one thing is certain: with a figure like Verstappen at the heart of the debate, and voices like Montoya’s demanding sanctions, the subject is far from closed.