Montoya calls for Verstappen suspension over 2026 criticism

Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has suggested the FIA should impose severe penalty points on Max Verstappen, pushing him toward a race ban, for his continued public criticism of the sport's 2026 regulations. Montoya argues such disrespectful comments warrant consequences, while Verstappen maintains his stance that the new rules are "anti-racing."

Why it matters:

This clash highlights a fundamental tension in Formula 1 between a driver's right to free expression and the perceived duty to respect the sport that provides their platform. Montoya's extreme proposal tests the boundaries of the FIA's disciplinary power over driver commentary, setting a precedent for how governing bodies manage public dissent from their biggest stars on major technical issues.

The details:

• Montoya's specific call was for the FIA to add "seven or eight points" to Verstappen's Super Licence for his comments, which would bring the reigning champion perilously close to the 12-point threshold for an automatic one-race suspension.
• Verstappen has been the most vocal critic, labeling the 2026 rules "Formula E on steroids" and comparing the cars to "Mario Kart," primarily due to complex energy management systems he believes detract from pure racing.
• Montoya clarified he is not against drivers disliking the regulations, but objected to the tone and public nature of the criticism, stating, "don't come and call an F1 car a Mario Kart."
• He also suggested team politics could be influencing driver messaging, implying some comments may be strategically guided by team interests rather than pure personal opinion.

What's next:

The FIA is highly unlikely to act on Montoya's suggestion, as penalty points are traditionally reserved for on-track infractions, not public commentary. However, the debate underscores the escalating frustration some drivers feel toward the 2026 vision. Verstappen has shown no sign of backing down, and as the season progresses and teams develop their 2026 concepts, driver criticism will remain a significant narrative, testing the relationship between the sport's authorities and its competitors.