Former grand prix winner Juan Pablo Montoya has called for Max Verstappen to receive a race suspension over repeated public criticism of Formula 1's new 2026 regulations. Speaking on the BBC's Chequered Flag podcast, Montoya said drivers should face penalty points on their licences for such comments. He argued that the negativity undermines the sport.
Montoya, who won seven grands prix between 2001 and 2006, said the criticism from drivers goes too far. He told hosts Harry Benjamin and Damon Hill that consequences are needed to protect the sport's image. Montoya specifically rejected descriptions of the cars as similar to Mario Kart toys.