Montoya to Verstappen: Quit F1 if you don't like 2026 rules

Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has called for the sport to take a hard line against current stars like Max Verstappen, who have publicly mocked the upcoming 2026 technical regulations by comparing the proposed racing to 'Mario Kart.' Montoya suggested disgruntled drivers should be shown 'the door' or heavily fined to protect the sport's integrity, while also dismissing safety concerns from drivers like Carlos Sainz as politically motivated.

Why it matters:

This public clash highlights the growing tension between Formula 1's governing body, which is pushing a major regulatory reset for 2026 focused on sustainability and closer racing, and its top competitors, who fear the changes could compromise the sport's purity and safety. How F1 manages this dissent from its biggest stars is crucial for maintaining the championship's credibility and ensuring a smooth transition to its next era.

The details:

• The controversy ignited after a difficult Chinese Grand Prix for Max Verstappen, where an ERS failure led to a retirement. He escalated his ongoing criticism of the 2026 rules, stating, "It's playing Mario Kart. This is not racing."
• In response, Juan Pablo Montoya argued such comments cross a line from opinion into disrespect. "Mocking Formula 1 and comparing it to Mario Kart, that shouldn't be accepted by Formula 1," he told AS Colombia.
• Montoya proposed severe consequences, advocating that F1 follow the example of American sports leagues: "For people who disrespect the sport, there’s the door. They can leave or be fined so they really learn to respect what they’re doing."
• He specifically addressed Williams driver Carlos Sainz's vocal safety concerns regarding the 2026 cars' manual energy recharge system. Montoya framed these complaints as "political," suggesting they stem from competitive disadvantage rather than genuine worry.
  • "80% of the comments they make are political. Why are the drivers complaining that recharging is bad? Because Mercedes can do it better than everyone else," Montoya claimed, adding bluntly, "If he’s afraid, he can stay home and relax."
• The debate over safety was underscored by a separate incident in Shanghai, where Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso retired from the race after experiencing severe vibrations in his AMR26. Alonso reported he "began to lose all feeling" in his limbs, forcing him to take his hands off the steering wheel, a stark example of the physical challenges drivers already face.

What's next:

The 2026 regulations are still in the development phase, and the FIA has acknowledged driver feedback regarding the manual override system's safety and complexity. This public spat increases pressure on the governing body to find a technical compromise that addresses genuine safety issues while maintaining the competitive and entertainment goals of the new rules. The coming months will reveal whether the dialogue remains fractious or if a more collaborative path can be forged between the rule-makers and the stars they rely on.