Montoya says F1 drivers should face consequences for “disrespecting” sport

Juan Pablo Montoya has called on Formula 1 to hand down harsher consequences for drivers who bring the sport into disrepute, seemingly targeting four-time world champion Max Verstappen over his recent string of criticisms regarding the 2026 regulations.

The former F1 driver turned pundit, while not naming Verstappen directly, made his thoughts clear on the BBC’s Chequered Flag Podcast, claiming there should be “consequences” for disrespecting the sport and that the stewards should “park him”.

“You’ve got to respect the sport,” Montoya said. “For me, what the drivers are doing, I’m okay with you not liking the regulations, but the way you were speaking about what you’re living off and your own sport, there should be consequences for that.

“Park him. Add seven points to the license, eight points to the license,” Montoya added when pressed on the consequences that F1 should pursue for a driver that brings such disrepute to the sport.

“Whatever you do after, you’re going to be parked. I guarantee you all the messaging would be different.”

Verstappen has been the most vocal current driver regarding the controversial 2026 F1 regulations, repeatedly labelling them “anti-racing” and comparing the sport to “Mario Kart” because of what he perceives as artificial energy management within the new power units.

During the Japanese Grand Prix weekend, the Dutchman even suggested he could walk away from Formula 1 entirely and pursue other racing categories if the sport failed to address those concerns.

Montoya also emphasised that drivers should be allowed to voice criticism—provided it is done respectfully and within reason.

“I’m not saying, ‘Don’t say that you don’t like the regulations,’ because if you don’t like it, you have the complete right to an opinion,” the seven-time Grand Prix winner added.

“It’s okay to be outspoken. I’m not saying don’t be outspoken, but don’t come and call an F1 car a Mario Kart.”

Ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, Formula 1, the FIA, and key stakeholders agreed on refinements to the regulations in an effort to address safety concerns surrounding the extreme energy management demands of the 2026 power units. Adjustments were also made to battery recharge limits in a bid to restore the flat-out nature of qualifying, which many—including the drivers—felt had been lost during the opening three rounds of the season.

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Written by

Jawad Yaqub

An eCommerce Specialist by day and reporting on F1 by night. Jawad is passionate about motorsport, having provided accredited F1 coverage for more than a decade and is a member of the AIPS (International Sports Press Association). Live blogging (almost) every grand prix too since 2014, as well as articles on the Supercars Championship. Also keen on sustainability, photography, collecting vinyl, (trying to) expertly barbeque and learning to Dad.

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