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Juan Pablo Montoya says Max Verstappen’s comments comparing the new Formula 1 rules to Mario Kart ‘shouldn’t be accepted’. Verstappen has been the leading critic of the regulations up to this point.
Speaking in the Thursday press conference ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, Verstappen joked about his simulator use: “I found a cheaper solution. I swapped the simulator for my Nintendo Switch and yeah, practising a bit of Mario Kart, actually.”
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has likened the driving experience to the popular video game on the team radio during the Australian Grand Prix when he battled George Russell for the lead. The new-for-2026 boost and overtake modes have drawn comparisons to the power-ups in the game.
Max Verstappen says he’s swapped the simulator for Mario Kart… 🎮
But the real question is: which track is he grinding laps on? 👀
Juan Pablo Montoya says Max Verstappen and F1 critics must ‘respect’ the sport
After the Red Bull driver called the new era of F1 ‘Formula E on steroids’ during winter testing, Montoya told Verstappen to act like a world champion. He reminded him that he ‘represents the product’.
And in his latest interview with AS Colombia, Montoya reiterated that Verstappen, or indeed any driver making the Mario Kart comparison, needs to have more ‘respect’ for the sport.
If he were in charge, he would fine drivers who ‘make fun’ of F1, even if he acknowledges their right to criticise the regulations.
Should F1 bosses have been ‘tougher’ on Max Verstappen after he criticised the 2026 rules?
The former Williams and McLaren driver said: “At some point, Formula 1 has to do what sports in the United States do and for people who disrespect the sport, there’s the door, they can leave or be fined so they really learn to respect what they’re doing. I would do that.
“It’s fine that you have an opinion. You don’t have to like it, but to make fun of it and compare Formula 1 to playing Mario Kart, that shouldn’t be accepted by Formula 1.”
‘If he’s afraid, he can stay home’ – Juan Pablo Montoya’s message to Carlos Sainz
Williams star Carlos Sainz, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, is another prominent critic. After a dramatic near-miss between Franco Colapinto and a slow-starting Liam Lawson in Australia, Sainz said F1 was ‘extremely lucky’ (via ESPN).
The Spaniard predicts that there will be a ‘big crash’ unless there are changes to the start procedure. But Montoya was dismissive of these comments, suggesting they were politically motivated.
“If he’s afraid, he can stay home and relax,” said Montoya. “I like Carlos a lot, but it’s like they’re trying to get attention for everything.
“80% of the comments they make are political. Why are the drivers complaining that recharging is bad? Because Mercedes can do it better than everyone else.
“If they take advantage away from Mercedes, everyone else will be closer. Carlos is complaining because the Williams isn’t getting good starts. Why aren’t Mercedes complaining?”
F1 teams are expected to meet in the early part of the season, perhaps as soon as next week, to discuss some early tweaks to the regulations. The first race in Australia was action-packed but there are concerns over safety and the purity of the racing.
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