Home / Sports / Ex-F1 Champ: Ban Drivers for Negative Talk
Ex-F1 Champ: Ban Drivers for Negative Talk
6 May
Summary
- Montoya suggests penalty points for drivers criticizing F1.
- Verstappen is singled out for calling F1 cars 'Mario Kart'.
- F1 management pressures teams to control driver criticism.
Juan Pablo Montoya, a former Formula 1 Grand Prix winner, has strongly criticized current drivers for their negative public statements about the sport's new regulations. He specifically called out Max Verstappen for remarks comparing F1 cars to 'Mario Kart.'
Montoya suggested that drivers who publicly disparage Formula 1 should face consequences, such as penalty points on their licenses, escalating to race bans. He argued this would alter their public messaging.
Despite pressure from F1's commercial rights holder, several drivers have voiced concerns about the 2026 car simulations. While some teams, like Mercedes, have seemingly adhered to a more positive stance, others, led by Verstappen, have remained vocal.
Formula 1's management has been trying to control the narrative around the new rules by working through teams to influence driver comments. However, as of early May 2026, direct penalties like penalty points are not being enforced.
