Highly criticized after his remarks about Max Verstappen in Miami, Juan Pablo Montoya refuses to back down and doubles down against the Red Bull driver.
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Juan Pablo Montoya continues to stir controversy in the virtual Formula 1 paddock. After his strong statements targeting Max Verstappen during the Miami Grand Prix weekend, the former Williams and McLaren driver now refuses to calm down.
The Colombian had already reacted strongly after the spectacular spin of the Red Bull driver in the first corners of the race. While many praised Verstappen’s exceptional control to avoid a crash in the middle of the pack, Montoya considered it mostly a huge stroke of luck.
These remarks immediately triggered a wave of reactions on social media and among the four-time world champion’s fans.
“If you want to call that talent…”
The former F1 driver does not seem affected by the criticism. In his MontoyAS podcast, he fully stood by his comments and maintained his position on the Miami incident.
“People tell me that I am being attacked a lot because of my comments about Max. Honestly, I don’t even look and I don’t really care,” he said.
Montoya acknowledges that Verstappen managed to avoid the worst but refuses to make it a demonstration of pure genius.
“Max spun on the first lap and yes, he saved the situation. If you want to call that talent, fine, call it talent. But he still made a mistake.”
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A new attack on Verstappen’s penalty
The Colombian also criticized the penalty given to Verstappen after crossing the white line at the pit exit under the safety car.
For Montoya, this fault remains hard to understand for a driver of the Dutchman’s level.
“It wasn’t even under green flag, when you push to the limit. It was under safety car, he said. He should have stayed closer to the line, but he cut too early. I have the footage.”
Accusations of “rude” behavior
Beyond Verstappen, Montoya also responded to criticism regarding his attitude during his media appearances. Some observers regularly accuse him of interrupting his interlocutors during broadcasts.
The former driver defended himself by explaining the technical constraints related to live commentary.
“I have no way to warn when I want to speak, he explains. So sometimes I jump in directly. It’s not to be rude.”
Always true to his direct and unfiltered style, Montoya therefore continues to fully assume his positions, even when they provoke strong reactions in the F1 world.
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