Verstappen dismisses Montoya's call for suspension over 2026 regulation criticism

Max Verstappen has rejected Juan Pablo Montoya’s suggestion that he should be suspended for criticising Formula 1’s 2026 regulations, telling Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf that he does not understand why “types like that get paid by the management of Formula 1”.

The dispute traces back to the early weeks of the 2026 season, when Verstappen described the new cars as “Formula E on steroids” — a sentiment echoed by others in the paddock who likened the racing to Mario Kart. Those comments drew a sharp response from Montoya, who addressed the matter following the Miami Grand Prix.

“You’ve got to respect the sport,” Montoya said. “I’m OK 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.” When pressed on what those consequences should look like, the Colombian was direct: “Park him. Add seven points to the licence, eight points to the licence… Whatever you do after, you’re gonna be parked. And I guarantee you, all the message would be different. I’m not saying ‘don’t be outspoken’, but don’t come and call an F1 car a Mario Kart.”

Verstappen was unmoved. “I don’t know what his problem is. I also don’t care much for someone who talks so much nonsense,” the Red Bull driver told De Telegraaf. “Surely you don’t want someone like that in the paddock who spouts so much rubbish? I think it’s a case of: ‘I say something different from everyone else, so I’m relevant.’ It doesn’t bother me that much; it’s his problem. I live my life and won’t let it influence me.”

The exchange highlights the tension that has surrounded Formula 1’s most significant regulatory overhaul in years. The 2026 rules introduced sweeping changes to aerodynamic and power unit specifications, and the early racing product drew widespread criticism from drivers and fans alike. Verstappen was among the most vocal, and his willingness to speak bluntly about the championship’s direction has put him at odds with those who believe drivers should be more circumspect in their public remarks.

Montoya, who raced in Formula 1 between 2001 and 2006 before returning briefly in 2017, has worked in an advisory capacity with Formula 1’s commercial operations. It is that connection Verstappen appeared to take particular issue with, questioning whether someone offering such criticism of drivers’ free expression is an appropriate presence in the paddock.