Montoya Demands Severe FIA Sanctions for Verstappen Over 2026 Rules Criticism

Former Williams and McLaren driver Juan Pablo Montoya has urged the FIA to take unprecedented action against Max Verstappen, suggesting the four-time world champion should be hit with severe penalty points for his relentless criticism of Formula 1's 2026 regulations.

"You've got to respect the sport," Montoya stated. "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 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 argued.

Verstappen currently holds three penalty points following an incident with George Russell at last year's Spanish Grand Prix. While an additional seven or eight points would not immediately trigger a ban, it would leave him perilously close to the limit.

The 'Mario Kart' Controversy

Verstappen has been the most prominent detractor of the 2026 regulations since pre-season testing in February, famously branding the new formula as "anti-racing" and "Formula E on steroids".

Despite the FIA implementing regulatory tweaks in April, Verstappen doubled down on his stance during the Miami Grand Prix weekend. He insisted that the rules remain "punishing" and force drivers to go slower in order to go faster. The Red Bull driver took particular aim at the new energy management systems, comparing the cars to "Mario Kart" due to the heavy reliance on battery deployment over pure racing dynamics, a sentiment that has drawn sharp responses from other paddock figures, as Toto Wolff strikes back at 2026 F1 critics.

While Montoya is not opposed to drivers expressing their concerns, he stressed that the feedback must remain constructive rather than derogatory.

"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 explained. "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."

The Role of Team Politics

Beyond personal frustration, Montoya suggested that Verstappen’s aggressive rhetoric might be part of a broader political strategy orchestrated by Red Bull.

"So there are two things there. One, what he really feels, and two, is what the team is probably asking him to say," Montoya noted. "The politics of the sport are really important, and the message the drivers come across and ask for, a lot of them are guided. They tell you we really need to push for this because this is going to really help us."

For his part, Verstappen has consistently denied that his criticism is a reaction to Red Bull's current struggles with the RB22. He has pointed out that he first raised alarms about the 2026 regulations back in 2023, during a period of absolute dominance for the Milton Keynes squad.

Currently, Verstappen sits seventh in the drivers' championship with 26 points after four rounds. His campaign saw a slight uptick following package improvements at the Miami International Autodrome, where he managed to secure a fifth-place finish, though Max Verstappen laments early pit stop strategy after dramatic P5 finish in Miami.