Driver-turned-pundit Juan Pablo Montoya has blasted the present crop of Components 1 drivers, and Max Verstappen specifically, for being excessively adverse concerning the newest laws.
Talking on the BBC’s Chequered Flag podcast, Montoya mentioned public criticism of the state of F1 ought to be punished by way of penalty factors on drivers’ licences, escalating to race suspensions.
The results of the brand new laws on the fashion of racing turned a febrile matter even earlier than they got here into impact. Drivers who examined the 2026 automobiles in simulation final yr expressed robust reservations, and lots of of them have continued to voice their dislike in public – regardless of the strain from the industrial rights holder, by way of the groups, to cease.
Whereas the Mercedes drivers and Lewis Hamilton received the memo, others – most vocally Verstappen – have continued to specific their opinions forcefully. In the course of the podcast, the dialog moved from the final to the precise very sharply.
“You have to respect the game,” Montoya informed co-hosts Harry Benjamin and 1996 world champion Damon Hill.
“For me, what the drivers had been doing… I am OK you not liking the laws, however the best way you had been talking about what you are residing off and your individual sport, try to be… there ought to be penalties for that.”
Learn Additionally:
“While you say ‘penalties’, like what?” requested Hill. “Fining Max for saying one thing adverse, do you assume?”
“Park him,” replied Montoya.
“What, ban him from a race?” interjected Benjamin.
“Yeah, add seven factors to the licence, eight factors to the licence… No matter you do after, you are gonna be parked.
“And I assure you, all of the message can be totally different.
“I am not saying ‘do not be outspoken’, however do not come and name an F1 automobile a Mario Kart.”
Montoya received seven grands prix from 94 begins for Williams and McLaren between 2001 and 2006. A firebrand behind the wheel, he got here to the eye of Williams F1 founder Frank Williams whereas racing for Helmut Marko’s RSM Marko workforce in 1997 in Components 3000, the place he received three races.
Montoya introduced his arrival in F1 with a dramatic move on Michael Schumacher within the 2001 Brazilian GP
Photograph by: Getty Pictures
Williams signed Montoya as a take a look at driver for 1998, which he dovetailed with a second season in F3000 – albeit with David Sears Racing, having fallen out with Marko. Among the many highlights of his victorious marketing campaign was a bravura three-car overtake within the moist at Hockenheim, throughout which he briefly took to the grass.
Finally Williams opted for Alex Zanardi to fill the seat vacated by Jacques Villeneuve for 1999, and Montoya spent the next two seasons plying his commerce in America, successful the CART championship and the Indy 500, earlier than making his grand prix debut with Williams in 2001.
A transfer to McLaren for 2005 foundered as workforce boss Ron Dennis disapproved of Montoya’s work ethic and fondness for quick meals, and Montoya grew disenchanted with F1’s company politics. He give up F1 for NASCAR on the finish of the 2006 season.
In recent times Montoya has returned after a protracted absence to help the racing profession of his son Sebastian and ply his commerce as a part of that constituency of ex-drivers who supply controversialist ‘sizzling takes’ on issues of second – albeit with out rocking the boat too laborious.
Montoya had a lower than completely satisfied time driving for Helmut Marko in F3000 in 1997
Photograph by: Getty Pictures
Nonetheless, whereas F1 stays extremely delicate on the subject of the 2026 laws and the drivers’ response to them, its coverage has been to lean on the groups to persuade them into preserving their opinions to themselves. Penalty factors usually are not on the menu simply but.
For probably the most half, Montoya has caught to the get together line in commentary. Forward of the Miami GP weekend he mirrored critically on the racing throughout his personal time in F1, describing it as processional and completely depending on automobile efficiency.
There are those that surprise if the negativity round Verstappen springs from Montoya’s long-standing beef with Marko, a detailed ally of ‘Workforce Max’.
Final week Marko gave an interview with the German newspaper Die Zeit wherein he mentioned Montoya “did not profit from his skills” in his racing profession. In a earlier interview he described him as “a lazy bastard”.
We would like your opinion!
What would you prefer to see on Motorsport.com?
– The Motorsport.com Workforce
