The discussion about Formula 1 regulations has regained prominence after a series of statements between former driver Juan Pablo Montoya and four-time world champion Max Verstappen. The topic arose from criticisms of the tone used by drivers when commenting on the sport. Verstappen is usually strict in his criticisms.
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In a participation on the BBC Chequered Flag podcast, Montoya defended the current regulations and stated that harsher comments about the category should have consequences: “You have to respect the sport. For me, what the drivers are doing… it’s okay if you don’t like the regulations, but the way you talked about what you live and about your own sport, that should have consequences.
“Punish him. Add seven points to the license, eight points to the license. Whatever you do afterwards, you will be punished. I guarantee that all the messages would be different. I’m not saying don’t be honest, but don’t come calling an F1 car Mario Kart. When the rear wing opened and you gained 30 km/h or 20 miles per hour, wasn’t that real?”
Verstappen responded to Montoya’s remarks in an interview with the De Telegraaf newspaper, directly criticizing the Colombian: “I don’t know what his problem is. I also can’t deal very well with someone who talks so much nonsense. I just don’t understand why people like that are paid by the Formula 1 management, since he sometimes works for them. You wouldn’t want someone like that in the paddock, talking so much nonsense, would you?
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“I think it’s a case of: ‘If I say something different from everyone else, then I’m relevant.’ That doesn’t bother me much; it’s his problem. I live my life and don’t let it affect me.”
Before the Canadian GP, the topic resurfaced when Martin Brundle asked Montoya about Verstappen’s reaction. The Colombian replied ironically and briefly: “Any news there?”.
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