Montoya calls for FIA action against Verstappen over criticism of F1 2026 rules

Max Verstappen’s ongoing criticism of Formula 1’s new 2026 regulations has sparked a strong reaction from former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya, who believes the FIA should punish the Dutchman for the way he has spoken about the sport.

Verstappen has been one of the most vocal critics of the new era of Formula 1, regularly questioning the heavy focus on energy management and the behaviour of the new hybrid power units introduced this season. The four-time world champion has repeatedly warned that the racing risks becoming less natural and less enjoyable for drivers.

Montoya, however, feels the Red Bull driver has gone too far with his public comments.

“You've got to respect the sport,” Montoya told the BBC's Chequered Flag podcast. “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.”

The former Williams and McLaren driver then proposed a highly controversial solution, suggesting Verstappen should receive a large number of penalty points on his FIA super licence.

“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 said.

Under FIA regulations, a driver receives an automatic one-race ban after collecting 12 penalty points within a 12-month period. Verstappen currently has three points on his licence following an incident with George Russell at last year’s Spanish Grand Prix.

Although Montoya’s proposed punishment would not immediately trigger a suspension, it would move Verstappen dangerously close to the limit.

The suggestion is unlikely to receive serious support inside the paddock, as penalty points are traditionally reserved for on-track incidents and breaches of sporting regulations rather than criticism of technical rules or governance.