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Seven-time grand prix winner Juan Pablo Montoya says Formula One drivers should be punished for criticising the sport as the Colombian took aim at Max Verstappen. The Dutch Red Bull star has been outspoken against the sport and its controversial 2026 engine rules.

Verstappen, four-time world champion, has even teased the prospect of early retirement due to the recent changes. The 28-year-old has been one of the main critics of the new hybrid engines. He hasn't been the only one to voice concerns with others taking aim too, but their criticism has cooled since the beginning of the new F1 season. Verstappen has previously described the change as "Formula E on steroids" and after his 10-point return for his fifth-placed finish at the Miami Grand Prix, he sits seventh in the Drivers' Championship.

Montoya, however, has taken aim at the likes of Verstappen for speaking ill of the sport. The 50-year-old has urged the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) to sanction the Dutchman for his public views.

"You've got to respect the sport," he told the BBC's Chequered Flag podcast. "I'm okay you not liking the regulations, but the way you were speaking about what you're living off and your own sport, you should be there should be consequences for that.

"Park him. Add seven points to the licence, eight points to the licence, [so] that whatever you do after, you're going to be parked. I guarantee you all the messaging would be different.

"I'm not saying, 'Don't say that you don't like the regulations', because if you don't like them, you have the complete right to an opinion.

"It's okay to be outspoken. I'm not saying don't be outspoken, but don't come and call an F1 car a Mario Kart.

"The politics of the sport are really important, and the message the drivers come across and ask for, a lot of them are guided. They tell you we really need to push for this because this is going to really help us."

Verstappen will be looking to add more points on the board at the Canadian Grand Prix on May 24. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve has been a happy hunting ground for the 28-year-old, winning three out of the last four years, with Mercedes rival George Russell pipping him to the post last June.