FIA urged to suspend Max Verstappen over Formula 1 regulation criticism
Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has urged the FIA to suspend Max Verstappen following the four-time world champion’s persistent public criticism of the sport’s 2026 regulations.
The Dutch driver has been highly vocal regarding the new rules introduced at the start of the current campaign.
These technical changes were designed to improve sustainability but have drawn widespread complaints regarding their impact on the racing spectacle.
The Red Bull talisman recently likened driving the updated cars to playing Mario Kart rather than using a high-tech simulator.
Struggles under new regulations
Frustrations for the defending champion have been exacerbated by an uncharacteristically poor start to the season.
He currently sits seventh in the drivers’ standings after just four races.
The seasoned driver finds himself a massive 74 points adrift of championship leader Kimi Antonelli.
Montoya demands strict punishment
Speaking on the BBC Chequered Flag Podcast, Montoya insisted that competitors must show respect for the series that provides their livelihood.
The seven-time Grand Prix winner stated that persistent negativity needs to be met with severe sporting sanctions.
“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,” said Montoya.
The Colombian veteran explicitly called for motorsport’s governing body to make an example of the vocal critic.
“Park him,” declared Montoya.
“Add seven points to the license, eight points to the license.”
“Whatever you do after, you’re going to be parked. I guarantee you all the messaging would be different!”
Threat of a race ban
Under current FIA sporting regulations, accumulating 12 penalty points over a 12-month period triggers an automatic one-race ban.
The reigning world champion currently has three penalty points on his superlicence.
Issuing a severe points penalty for bringing the sport into disrepute would leave the Milton Keynes-based outfit without their star driver for a Grand Prix weekend.
However, such a drastic intervention from the stewards over media comments remains unprecedented in modern racing.