Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya finds it disrespectful of Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, among others, to compare Formula 1 to Mario Kart. If the Colombian were in charge, he would even ‘let the two drivers leave or fine them’ to teach them more respect for the pinnacle of motorsport. ‘Making jokes about it and comparing Formula 1 to playing Mario Kart, F1 should not accept that,’ is Montoya’s opinion.
Read more Leclerc relieved with a fourth starting position for the race in China: ‘I hope that I can win’
Max Verstappen has regularly expressed his dissatisfaction with the cars for the 2026 season. The Dutchman previously called the challengers ‘unworthy of Formula 1’ and compared driving the cars to the game Mario Kart. “I’ve already swapped my racing simulator for a Nintendo Switch so I can use Mario Kart to practice for the races,” the world champion even joked during the press conference in Shanghai. Verstappen is not the only driver to make the comparison with the Nintendo game; Charles Leclerc also mentioned Mario Kart during his battle with George Russell in Australia.
‘Learning respect for F1’
Former driver Juan Pablo Montoya finds it disrespectful of the drivers to speak about the pinnacle of motorsport in such a way. “At some point, Formula 1 must do what the sports world in the United States does: people who do not respect the sport must be shown the door,” Montoya shares his opinion with AS Colombia. “They can leave or be fined, so they really learn to have respect for what they do. I would do that.”
Read more Verstappen and Hamilton congratulate Kimi Antonelli: ‘Doesn’t need any more advice’
“It’s fine to have an opinion,” the former driver continues. “You don’t have to like it, but making jokes about it and comparing Formula 1 to playing Mario Kart, Formula 1 should not accept that.” Verstappen and Leclerc were not the only ones indirectly criticized by Montoya. He also responded to Carlos Sainz, who predicted that a ‘big crash’ is waiting to happen in F1 if the FIA does not adjust the starting procedures. The Williams driver made the statements following the near-crash between Franco Colapinto and Liam Lawson in Melbourne.
“If he is so scared, he can stay home,” said Montoya. “I like Carlos very much, but it’s as if they say all sorts of things for attention. Eighty percent of their comments are political in nature. Why are the drivers complaining that the charging is bad? Because Mercedes can do it better than everyone else. If they take that advantage away from Mercedes, everyone else gets closer. Carlos is complaining because the Williams doesn’t make good starts. Why isn’t Mercedes complaining then?”
Read more Hadjar agrees with Verstappen: ‘Nothing we try at Red Bull helps’
Read everything about the Chinese GP here
