Montoya demands Verstappen face race ban for 'disrespectful' F1 criticism

Key facts

• Juan Pablo Montoya called for Max Verstappen to be given 7-8 penalty points on his FIA Super Licence.
• Verstappen currently has 3 penalty points from the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix incident with George Russell.
• 12 penalty points trigger an automatic one-race suspension.
• Montoya made the comments on the BBC's Chequered Flag podcast.
• Verstappen has described the 2026 regulations as 'anti-racing' and compared them to 'Mario Kart'.
• The Miami Grand Prix was the first race under tweaked 2026 regulations.
• Montoya is a seven-time Grand Prix winner and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner.
• Verstappen has threatened to quit F1 if the rules are not changed.

Montoya's call for sanctions

Juan Pablo Montoya has urged the FIA to impose severe penalties on Max Verstappen for his persistent criticism of Formula 1's 2026 regulations, arguing that the four-time world champion's remarks amount to disrespecting the sport that sustains him. Speaking on the BBC's Chequered Flag podcast, the former Williams and McLaren driver said Verstappen should be hit with seven or eight penalty points on his FIA Super Licence, pushing him close to the 12-point threshold that triggers an automatic one-race ban. "Park him," Montoya said. "Add seven points to the licence, eight points to the licence. Whatever you do after, you're going to be parked. I guarantee you all the messaging would be different." Montoya stressed that drivers have a right to voice concerns but must do so constructively. "You've got to respect the sport," he said. "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."

Verstappen's criticism of the 2026 rules

Verstappen has been the most vocal critic of the 2026 regulations since pre-season testing in February, labelling them "anti-racing" and "Formula E on steroids." At the Miami Grand Prix, the first race under tweaked rules, he doubled down, insisting drivers must go slower to go faster and that the energy management systems are "punishing." The Red Bull driver has also compared the new cars to "Mario Kart," taking particular issue with the push-to-pass boost button and battery deployment requirements that he says undermine pure racing. He has threatened to quit the sport if meaningful changes are not made. Montoya acknowledged that team politics may be influencing Verstappen's comments. "The politics of the sport are really important, and the message the drivers come across and ask for, a lot of them are guided," he explained. "They tell you we really need to push for this because this is going to really help us."

The penalty point system and Verstappen's current standing

Verstappen currently has three penalty points on his FIA Super Licence from his incident at last year's Spanish Grand Prix with George Russell. Adding seven or eight points would bring him to 10 or 11 points, just below the 12-point suspension threshold, but perilously close — as he was last year. Montoya's suggestion would effectively put Verstappen on notice that any further infraction could trigger a ban. The Colombian argued that such a move would change the messaging from drivers who currently feel free to disparage the sport. "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," Montoya said. "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."

Wider context: South Africa's F1 bid and other developments

Separately, South Africa's bid to rejoin the Formula 1 calendar has received an important governmental boost, though details remain scarce. The country has been pushing for a return to the championship for the first time since 1993. Meanwhile, Franco Colapinto has been challenged to use his standout Miami weekend to build momentum for the season. The Argentine driver impressed in his F1 debut, earning praise from pundits. These developments come as the 2026 regulations continue to divide opinion among drivers, teams, and fans. The FIA has implemented tweaks in April, but Verstappen's lukewarm reception suggests further adjustments may be needed.

Outlook and open questions

It remains unclear whether the FIA will act on Montoya's suggestion. The governing body has not commented on the call for sanctions, and Verstappen has not responded directly to Montoya's remarks. The broader debate over the 2026 regulations is likely to intensify as the season progresses. With Verstappen threatening to quit and other drivers expressing reservations, the FIA faces pressure to strike a balance between innovation and driver satisfaction. Montoya's intervention adds a new dimension to the controversy, framing the issue not just as a technical dispute but as a matter of respect and accountability within the sport.

The bottom line

• Montoya wants Verstappen to receive 7-8 penalty points, pushing him toward a race ban for criticizing F1's 2026 rules.
• Verstappen currently has 3 points; 12 trigger a suspension.
• Verstappen has called the 2026 regulations 'anti-racing' and compared them to 'Mario Kart'.
• Montoya argues drivers must respect the sport and face consequences for disparaging it.
• The FIA has not responded to Montoya's call for sanctions.
• South Africa's F1 bid has received a governmental boost, and Franco Colapinto is building momentum after Miami.