Tension around the 2026 Formula One season has continued to rise after fresh calls were made for reigning world champion Max Verstappen to face a suspension from the FIA. The controversy erupted following repeated criticism from the Dutch driver regarding Formula 1’s new technical regulations, while Lewis Hamilton also made headlines with strong comments about his future approach at Ferrari after another frustrating race weekend.
Former Formula One driver Juan Pablo Montoya has become one of the loudest voices calling for stricter punishment against Verstappen. The Colombian believes the Red Bull star has crossed a line with his public criticism of the sport’s new era regulations, particularly after comparing the current racing format to “Formula E on steroids” and joking about replacing simulator work with Mario Kart sessions.
Montoya argued that Formula One drivers should be free to express opinions, but insisted there must still be respect for the sport itself. According to him, Verstappen’s remarks risk damaging the image of Formula One during a crucial transition period in which the FIA is trying to promote the new generation of hybrid regulations. The former Williams and McLaren driver suggested that the FIA should even consider imposing penalty points on Verstappen’s super licence, potentially pushing him closer to a race ban.
The debate comes at a sensitive time for Formula One. The 2026 regulations have already received mixed reactions from several drivers and teams. Concerns have emerged regarding battery deployment, energy recovery systems, and how heavily races are now influenced by electrical power management. Drivers have complained that some of the racing no longer feels natural, while fans and analysts have also raised concerns about overtaking dynamics and race strategy complexity.
Verstappen has been particularly outspoken about the changes. Although he remains one of the sport’s biggest stars and a four-time world champion, his frustration with the direction Formula One is taking has become increasingly visible throughout the early part of the season. His comments have generated strong reactions from both supporters and critics, with some agreeing that the regulations need improvement, while others feel his public remarks have become excessive.
Adding fuel to the fire, Montoya stated that Formula One authorities should take a tougher stance against drivers who publicly undermine the championship. He referenced how major American sports leagues often punish athletes for comments viewed as damaging to their competitions, suggesting Formula One should consider a similar approach. His strongest remark was that the FIA should simply “park him” if Verstappen continues attacking the regulations publicly.
Despite the criticism directed at Verstappen, he is far from the only driver unhappy with aspects of the new regulations. Several prominent figures in the paddock, including Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz Jr., have voiced concerns over energy deployment and the overall driving experience. Martin Brundle even warned that the FIA must react quickly to avoid bigger problems in the future.
Hamilton also joined the broader discussion surrounding the sport’s future, though his focus was more on improving communication between drivers and governing bodies. The Ferrari driver recently urged Formula One and the FIA to involve drivers more directly in shaping future regulations. Hamilton argued that many current issues could have been avoided if competitors had been consulted earlier in the process.
The seven-time world champion has experienced a difficult start to life at Ferrari. After making the blockbuster switch from Mercedes, expectations were enormous heading into the new era. However, Ferrari’s performances have been inconsistent, and Hamilton has openly admitted that adjustments are still needed both from the team and from himself.
Following the Miami Grand Prix weekend, Hamilton revealed he intends to change his race weekend approach moving forward. Although he did not completely detail every adjustment he plans to make, the British driver acknowledged that recent frustrations have forced him to rethink how he prepares and works with the team during Grand Prix weekends.
The Miami Grand Prix itself was filled with drama. Young Mercedes sensation Kimi Antonelli continued his remarkable season by securing another victory, strengthening his position at the top of the championship standings. Verstappen endured a complicated weekend that included penalties and difficult on-track battles, while Hamilton managed to finish inside the points despite ongoing struggles with Ferrari’s pace.
Verstappen’s weekend became even more controversial after incidents involving Hamilton during the sprint event, where the pair once again fought aggressively on track. Their rivalry has produced several tense moments over recent years, and Miami added another chapter to their competitive history.
Hamilton himself has previously defended Verstappen during earlier controversies in the Dutchman’s career. Back in 2016, when Verstappen faced criticism for aggressive driving, Hamilton publicly supported the young Red Bull driver and urged critics to give him time to mature.
However, the current situation is different. The controversy now revolves less around driving standards and more around public criticism of Formula One’s direction. Verstappen’s comments have highlighted growing tension between drivers and the FIA as the sport adapts to a completely new technical era.
Meanwhile, the FIA continues trying to balance innovation, sustainability goals, and fan entertainment under the 2026 regulations. Officials have already begun discussing potential tweaks to improve racing quality after complaints from several teams and drivers. Hamilton recently stressed that stronger cooperation between the FIA and the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association could help avoid future conflicts and create regulations that satisfy both competitors and fans.
As the season progresses, scrutiny surrounding Verstappen’s comments is unlikely to disappear. Some believe the Red Bull star is simply voicing frustrations shared privately by many drivers. Others believe a reigning world champion carries extra responsibility and should avoid publicly mocking the championship.
What remains certain is that Formula One’s new era has already created major division across the paddock. Between fierce political debates, technical complaints, and increasingly emotional public statements, the 2026 season is rapidly becoming one of the sport’s most controversial campaigns in recent memory.
