Shut up and drive: Juan Pablo Montoya slams F1 drivers for 2026 rule complaints. Juan Pablo Montoya criticizes F1 drivers for complaining about the new regulations.

New F1 rules under fire

The new Formula 1 regulations have faced criticism from the majority of drivers, led by Max Verstappen. While no one has threatened to retire from competition, the paddocks are filled with dissatisfaction and frustration. Mercedes, naturally defending the new generation of cars, stands apart; but for most teams and drivers, these rules have failed to impress. Even fans seem unconvinced, with television ratings plunging in countries like France and Spain.

A voice of reason comes from Juan Pablo Montoya. According to the Colombian, drivers should focus on racing the car in front of them, without putting pressure on Formula 1 to change the regulations.

Juan Pablo Montoya’s words

“There are too many people with opinions and too many people willing to listen to them. Other people’s opinions matter far more now than in the past. Back in my day, if you didn’t like something, you just had to accept it,” Montoya told Casinostugan. “I understand that drivers may not like the rules. But if you are paid to drive the car, whatever it is, you drive it.”

“The last regulatory cycle was called terrible because of ‘porpoising,’ which drivers said was dangerous and caused back pain. Everyone kept talking about it nonstop, and then the teams found a solution. It only lasted six months, and the rules stayed the same,” he added. “They can limit the amount of electric power in the engines and reduce the points where it’s delivered. But then you’ll have fewer overtakes, and that won’t please anyone either. Reacting impulsively based on what drivers say would just create more problems.”

In conclusion, the debate over the 2026 regulations continues to polarize the F1 community. While the current grid pushes for changes to improve drivability and safety, veterans like Montoya remind us that adaptation has always been a core requirement of the sport. As we head into the next phase of the championship, the balance between listening to the drivers’ concerns and maintaining the technical integrity of the new era remains the FIA’s most difficult tightrope walk. Whether the “complaints” lead to actual reform or are simply solved by the engineers in the coming months remains to be seen.