Driver-turned-pundit has blasted the present crop of Method 1 drivers, and particularly, for being excessively adverse in regards to the newest rules.
Talking on the BBC’s Chequered Flag podcast, Montoya stated public criticism of the state of F1 must be punished through penalty factors on drivers’ licences, escalating to race suspensions.
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The consequences of the brand new rules on the fashion of racing grew to become a febrile matter even earlier than they got here into impact. Drivers who examined the 2026 vehicles in simulation final yr expressed robust reservations, and plenty of of them have continued to voice their dislike in public – regardless of the strain from the business rights holder, through the groups, to cease.
Whereas the drivers and acquired the memo, others – most vocally Verstappen – have continued to precise their opinions forcefully. Throughout the podcast, the dialog moved from the overall to the particular very sharply.
“You have to respect the game,” Montoya instructed co-hosts Harry Benjamin and 1996 world champion .
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“For me, what the drivers have been doing… I am OK you not liking the rules, however the way in which you have been talking about what you are dwelling off and your individual sport, try to be… there must be penalties for that.”
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“Once you say ‘penalties’, like what?” requested Hill. “Fining Max for saying one thing adverse, do you assume?”
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“Park him,” replied Montoya.
“What, ban him from a race?” interjected Benjamin.
“Yeah, add seven factors to the licence, eight factors to the licence… No matter you do after, you are gonna be parked.
“And I assure you, all of the message can be completely different.
“I am not saying ‘do not be outspoken’, however do not come and name an F1 automobile a Mario Kart.”
Montoya gained seven grands prix from 94 begins for and between 2001 and 2006. A firebrand behind the wheel, he got here to the eye of Williams F1 founder Frank Williams whereas racing for Helmut Marko’s RSM Marko group in 1997 in Method 3000, the place he gained three races.
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Montoya introduced his arrival in F1 with a dramatic move on Michael Schumacher within the 2001 Brazilian GP
Montoya introduced his arrival in F1 with a dramatic move on Michael Schumacher within the 2001 Brazilian GP
Williams signed Montoya as a take a look at driver for 1998, which he dovetailed with a second season in F3000 – albeit with David Sears Racing, having fallen out with Marko. Among the many highlights of his victorious marketing campaign was a bravura three-car overtake within the moist at Hockenheim, throughout which he briefly took to the grass.
Finally Williams opted for Alex Zanardi to fill the seat vacated by for 1999, and Montoya spent the next two seasons plying his commerce in America, successful the CART championship and the Indy 500, earlier than making his grand prix debut with Williams in 2001.
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A transfer to McLaren for 2005 foundered as group boss Ron Dennis disapproved of Montoya’s work ethic and fondness for quick meals, and Montoya grew disenchanted with F1’s company politics. He stop F1 for NASCAR on the finish of the 2006 season.
In recent times Montoya has returned after an extended absence to help the racing profession of his son Sebastian and ply his commerce as a part of that constituency of ex-drivers who provide controversialist ‘scorching takes’ on issues of second – albeit with out rocking the boat too arduous.
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Montoya had a lower than comfortable time driving for Helmut Marko in F3000 in 1997
Montoya had a lower than comfortable time driving for Helmut Marko in F3000 in 1997
Nonetheless, whereas F1 stays extremely delicate on the subject of the 2026 rules and the drivers’ response to them, its coverage has been to lean on the groups to persuade them into protecting their opinions to themselves. Penalty factors are usually not on the menu simply but.
For essentially the most half, Montoya has caught to the celebration line in commentary. Forward of the Miami GP weekend he mirrored critically on the racing throughout his personal time in F1, describing it as processional and fully depending on automobile efficiency.
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There are those that surprise if the negativity round Verstappen springs from Montoya’s long-standing beef with Marko, an in depth ally of ‘Crew Max’.
Final week Marko gave an interview with the German newspaper Die Zeit wherein he stated Montoya “did not benefit from his skills” in his racing profession. In a earlier interview he described him as “a lazy bastard”.
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