Former F1 Ace Calls Out Max Verstappen: Respect F1's New Era Or Find The Exit

Last Updated:March 19, 2026, 17:17 IST

Montoya criticized Verstappen's complaints about Formula 1's 2026 regulations -- emphasizing that while opinions are fine, mocking F1 crosses a line.

If Juan Pablo Montoya had a microphone and a playlist, he probably would’ve queued up Rihanna and hit play on “Shut Up and Drive."

Because that, in essence, is his message to Max Verstappen and anyone else grumbling about Formula 1’s brave new world.

“Don’t Like It? There’s the Door"

The shift to the 2026 regulations — with hybrid power units now leaning heavily on electric deployment, energy harvesting, and all the strategic chaos that comes with it — hasn’t exactly been universally loved in the paddock.

Verstappen, in particular, hasn’t held back. From comparing the experience to Mario Kart to questioning whether fans who enjoy it “know what racing is," the reigning champion has made his stance crystal clear: this isn’t the Formula 1 he fell in love with.

But Montoya isn’t having any of it.

Speaking bluntly, the former Ferrari driver made it clear that criticism is fine, but mockery isn’t. And if drivers truly can’t stand the direction the sport is heading, they know where the exit is.

Respect The Sport Or Step Aside

Montoya’s argument is less about silencing opinions and more about preserving respect for the sport itself. In his view, publicly ridiculing Formula 1, especially from within, crosses a line.

“At some point, Formula 1 needs to do what the sports world in the United States does: tell the people who don’t respect the sport, there’s the door," Montoya said to AS Colombia.

“They can leave or get a fine, so they truly learn to respect what they’re doing. That’s what I would do."

“It’s fine for people to have an opinion," he added. “I’m not saying they have to like it, but mocking Formula 1 and comparing it to Mario Kart, that shouldn’t be accepted by Formula 1."

A New Era, Whether Drivers Like It or Not

For drivers like Verstappen, the frustration is understandable. The new systems demand a completely different driving style: one that sometimes feels more like energy management than pure racing instinct.

But for Montoya, that’s the job — because F1 has never stood still and it never will.

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