Ex-McLaren driver slams Verstappen, demands punishment over “Mario Kart” jibe

The former McLaren driver demanded that the four-time world champion be parked amid his criticism, which he likened to a sign of disrespect towards the sport. Verstappen has been vocal about his dislike of the current F1 rules, with the Red Bull Racing driver comparing them to being “anti-racing.”

Addressing Verstappen’s criticism, Montoya, who appeared on the BBC Chequered Flag podcast, called for consequences to be meted out to the Dutch driver. "You've got to respect the sport. For me, what the drivers are doing, I'm okay 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,” he said.

Pressed further on what would be a fitting sanction for Verstappen, the seven-time Grand Prix winner suggested penalty points be added to his racing licence, among other punishments. “Park him. Add seven points to the licence, eight points to the licence. Whatever you do after, you're going to be parked. I guarantee you all the messaging would be different," he added.

Montoya, however, concluded by noting that while drivers can express their dislike for the current regulations, it should be done in a more measured manner.

Verstappen currently has three penalty points on his super licence, and an additional seven would move him closer to a race ban. However, amid growing criticism of the regulations, the FIA have implemented changes to the rules, with several adjustments cutting across multiple areas of the sport, most recently modified in Miami.

Earlier, Verstappen was handed a post-race penalty following an infringement at the Miami Grand Prix. The four-time champion was sanctioned by the stewards after he was adjudged to have crossed the white line on pit exit.

The Red Bull driver received a five-second penalty after being found guilty of the infringement. However, the penalty did little to impact Verstappen’s race result – the fifth-place finish he achieved at the Florida event.

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