Former Components 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes Max Verstappen has no intention of leaving Crimson Bull, regardless of the crew shedding a number of key figures in recent times who performed a serious function in constructing its success earlier than shifting elsewhere.
Talking to F1, the ex Colombian driver dismissed the concept Verstappen is trying to depart Crimson Bull, arguing that the Dutchman stays at one among Components 1’s strongest groups regardless of a number of key departures in recent times.
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He acknowledged that the crew has modified following the exit of a lot of influential figures, however identified that Crimson Bull has continued to carry out at a excessive degree, highlighting final season’s late championship cost as proof. In Montoya’s view, Verstappen merely desires to see the crew stay aggressive and is utilizing strain as a method of pushing it again to the entrance.
“I do not suppose Max desires to go away Crimson Bull. You are in among the best F1 groups, most likely the very best crew within the final 20 years, with Mercedes. You are in the proper place. Sure, it is modified as a result of lots of people have left, however they’re nonetheless performing. Final yr, they almost got here again and received the championship. I feel he desires to see that from the crew, and it is nearly placing strain on them.”
Photograph: Crimson Bull Content material Pool
Photograph: Crimson Bull Content material Pool
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McLaren would have little to achieve from changing Piastri with Verstappen, in response to Mika Hakkinen. The 2-time Components 1 world champion believes the Woking-based crew has created a profitable atmosphere by prioritising the collective energy of the crew, and warned that altering a driver line-up that’s already acting at a excessive degree might jeopardise the concord and stability behind its success.
Talking on the As much as Velocity podcast, Hakkinen defined that McLaren’s philosophy has all the time centred on constructing a powerful crew relatively than counting on particular person stars.
He argued that introducing Verstappen rather than one of many present drivers would convey pointless dangers, because it might undermine the crew spirit that has been rigorously developed. Drawing on his personal expertise, Hakkinen additionally famous that his prolonged partnership with a world champion at McLaren confirmed the worth of sustaining a harmonious relationship between teammates.
“It is to construct unimaginable crew spirit, energy, inside. My opinion, in the event you would ask me what I might do, I wish to minimise that threat. That method you’ll lose this type of crew spirit. If the crew has two nice drivers, why rock the boat? And naturally McLaren having a world champion. We have been the longest teammates in Components 1, and that signifies that if there is a good concord inside a crew, why have any person else there?”
