In a fiery exchange that's lighting up the Formula 1 world, former driver Juan Pablo Montoya has thrown down the gauntlet, calling for a race ban against reigning champion Max Verstappen. The Colombian, who won seven Grands Prix during his own career, believes Verstappen's outspoken criticism of the sport's new regulations has crossed a line.

Verstappen, the four-time world champion known for his unfiltered honesty, has been relentless in his attacks on F1's 2026 car regulations. He's described the current machines as lacking power and producing boring racing—comments that have only grown louder despite recent tweaks to the rules. The Dutchman has even hinted he might walk away from the sport if things don't improve.

Appearing on the BBC's Chequered Flag podcast, Montoya didn't mince words. The former Williams and McLaren driver argued that F1 pilots have a responsibility to act as ambassadors for the sport, not as its harshest critics. "You've got to respect the sport," Montoya 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 pressed on what those consequences should look like, Montoya went straight for the jugular. "Park him," he declared. "Add seven points to the license, eight points to the license… Whatever you do after, you're gonna be parked. And I guarantee you, all the messages would be different. I'm not saying don't be outspoken, but don't come and call an F1 car a Mario Kart."

The call for a suspension adds another layer to a long-standing feud between Montoya and Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, the man who brought Verstappen into the sport. Marko has previously claimed Montoya "didn't make the most of his abilities," a dig that clearly still stings.

But if history is any guide, the threat of missing a race is unlikely to silence Verstappen. The four-time champion has built his career on speaking his mind, and he's shown no signs of backing down. With F1 not set to introduce more radical changes until 2027, fans can expect Verstappen's complaints to continue—and the debate over driver responsibility to rage on.