Max Verstappen fires back at Juan Pablo Montoya over F1 suspension claim

Max Verstappen has dismissed recent comments from former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya after the Colombian suggested the four-time champion should face a race suspension for openly criticising the championship’s new regulations.

The comments from Montoya stemmed from a somewhat frosty reception to the new 2026 regulation changes. In the early stages of the season, Verstappen described them as “Formula E on steroids”, while many others likened the racing to playing Mario Kart.

During an appearance on the BBC Chequered Flag podcast following the Miami Grand Prix, Montoya said: “You’ve got to respect the sport.

“For me, what the drivers were doing… I’m OK you not liking the regulations, but the way you were speaking about what you’re living off and your own sport, you should be… there should be consequences for that.”

When asked what he thought would be an appropriate consequence, Montoya added: “Park him.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Guido De Bortoli / LAT Images via Getty Images

“Yeah, 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 asked about the comments in an interview with De Telegraaf.

“I don’t know what his problem is. I also don’t care much for someone who talks so much nonsense. I just don’t understand why types like that get paid by the management of Formula 1, as he sometimes works for them,” the Red Bull driver said.

“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.”