Montoya defends F1 2026 regulations with blunt ‘so boring’ verdict on V8 era, Leclerc buys €11m yacht

Juan Pablo Montoya has thrown his support behind F1's 2026 regulations by delivering a scathing verdict on the V8 era – a period the FIA president has suggested the sport might return to. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc has expanded his off-track fleet with an €11 million yacht purchase.

Why it matters:

Montoya's comments add a notable voice to the debate over F1's future engine direction. As the FIA weighs a potential shift away from hybrid-heavy power units toward simpler V8s, the former F1 driver warns that nostalgia ignores how uncompetitive racing was during the late 2000s.

The details:

• Montoya, who won seven Grands Prix in the V10 and V8 eras, said the V8 period from 2006–2013 was "so boring" due to a lack of overtaking and tire conservation racing.
• He argues that the 2026 regulations – which aim for lighter, more agile cars with active aerodynamics and increased electrical power – are a necessary evolution.
• FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem recently floated a return to V8 engines with reduced hybrid elements, sparking backlash from drivers and fans.
• Montoya's defense comes as many current drivers, including Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, have expressed skepticism about the 2026 rules.

Between the lines:

Montoya's critique of the V8 era highlights a generational divide. While some fans romanticize the screaming naturally aspirated engines, he points out that the racing itself was often processional – a problem the 2026 regs aim to fix.

In other news:

• Leclerc's luxury purchase: The Ferrari driver reportedly splashed out €11 million on a second superyacht, joining a growing list of F1 stars with impressive marine collections.
• Mick Schumacher's impressive IndyCar lap: At Indianapolis, Schumacher set a 1:10.7904 in practice, drawing comparisons to his father Michael's 2002 lap at the same venue.
• Verstappen to Ferrari? David Coulthard believes a move from Red Bull to Ferrari would make more sense than joining Mercedes, if Verstappen decides to leave.
• McLaren's hidden gem: Reserve driver Leonardo Fornaroli, who won the F2 title as a rookie, is being backed for a 2027 F1 seat.

What's next:

The 2026 regulation debate will intensify as the season progresses, with key votes on the final ruleset expected later this year. Leclerc, meanwhile, will likely enjoy his new yacht during the summer break.