Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has called for Max Verstappen to be handed a race suspension or be issued with Super Licence penalty points for his outspoken comments on the sport’s new regulations cycle.
Verstappen has been forthright in his views on the new rule changes for this year onwards, likening them to the Mario Kart video game, as well as describing the new cars as like “Formula E on steroids”.
A number of drivers have unofficially aligned themselves with the Dutchman, through their own vocal opposition to the new cycle.
The FIA and F1, via meetings during the sport’s five-week break, revealed “refinements” to the rules, which appeared to show some improvement on the quality of racing at the Miami Grand Prix last weekend.
However, there was a distinct reticence from the top three after the race, with Lando Norris being particularly unwavering, who told media, including Motorsport Week: “You just have to get rid of the battery.
“Hopefully, in a few years, that’s the case.”
Verstappen, prior to the race, had told media, including Motorsport Week at the Hard Rock Stadium that the changes were a mere “tickle” when asked for his perspective on them.
Despite often being regarded as a more rebellious racer, Montoya appeared to be a stickler for respecting authority when speaking to the BBC’s Chequered Flag podcast.
“You’ve got to respect the sport,” the former Williams driver said.
“I’m OK [with] you not liking the regulations, but the way you were speaking about what you’re living off and your own sport, there should be consequences for that.”
When asked what the consequences should be, the Colombian replied: “Park him,” then confirmed that he meant a race ban.
“Add seven points to the licence, eight points to the licence, [so] that whatever you do after, you’re going to be parked,” he added. “I guarantee you all the messaging would be different.
“I’m not saying, ‘Don’t say that you don’t like the regulations’, because if you don’t like them, you have the complete right to an opinion.
“It’s OK to be outspoken. I’m not saying don’t be outspoken, but don’t come and call an F1 car a Mario Kart.
“Because you say ‘oh I feel like a boost’ but when the rear wing was open [DRS] and you were getting 20 kph, was that not fake?”
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Montoya is able to see the situation from the position of experience when it comes to losing out due to rule changes through lobbying.
When driving for Williams in 2003, Ferrari – one of its chief title rivals – as well as tyre manufacturer Bridgestone complained about the design of rival brand Michelin’s tyres – which Williams used – leading to the FIA ordering a redesign.
However, as pointed out by Dutch publication De Telegraaf, Montoya has previously appeared to lend his backing to Verstappen and his outspoken nature.
When issued with a ‘community service punishment’ for swearing in an official FIA press conference in Singapore, Verstappen took matters into his own hands an held an impromptu media session with journalists.
And at the time, Montoya was seemingly in full support of Verstappen’s stance, and against that of the FIA’s.
“Max is outspoken and himself,” he was quoted as saying. “Formula 1 needs to tell the FIA to leave Max alone, because they need him desperately.”
It seems that Montoya has somewhat repositioned himself on Verstappen’s frank personality, despite the four-time World Champion not being a lone voice in resistance to F1’s new electrified world.
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