The former F1 driver believes that Max Verstappen has a mentality radically different from the rest of the paddock. An attitude he considers essential to dominate the discipline.
Max Verstappen continues to divide the paddock with his aggressive style and uncompromising character. But for Juan Pablo Montoya, this mentality is precisely what makes the Red Bull driver a champion apart.
The Colombian, former McLaren and Williams driver, gave a particularly sharp opinion on the personality of the four-time world champion. According to him, Verstappen possesses a form of “selfishness” essential to reach the top of Formula 1.
Over the years, the Dutchman has built a reputation as an extremely tough driver on track, capable of taking all risks to win. An attitude that has allowed him to win four world titles, 71 victories, and 48 pole positions.
But this aggressiveness has also earned him several criticisms, notably after some controversial incidents such as his deliberate clash with George Russell during last year’s Spanish Grand Prix.
A maneuver that cost him dearly in the championship after a penalty that dropped him from fifth to tenth place.
“You have to be selfish”
Juan Pablo Montoya nevertheless claims to fully understand this approach. The former Colombian driver even believes that the new generation of drivers has become much too close off the track.
“When I woke up in the morning, I thought about how to beat everyone. You have to be selfish” Montoya explained on the Chequered Flag podcast with Damon Hill.
The Colombian then showed himself very critical of the current paddock atmosphere: “Honestly, it shocks me a bit. Today, they all play padel together, they are very friendly, they dine together…”
For Montoya, Verstappen stands out precisely because he refuses to enter this logic: “That’s also why Max is so strong, because he doesn’t play that game.”
A killer mentality according to Montoya
The former F1 driver believes Verstappen would be incapable of easing off against a friend if that friend became a real rival for the title.
Even when the discussion touched on the friendly relationship between Verstappen and Gabriel Bortoleto, notably through sim racing, Montoya was very skeptical.
“But if Bortoleto had a competitive car, would that friendship still be the same?” he wondered.
The Colombian then continued with a very direct statement about the Red Bull driver’s mindset.
“Do you really think that if Bortoleto squeezes him a bit on track, Max will say: ‘I won’t attempt an aggressive overtake like with the others’? Come on…”
Antonelli encouraged to attack Russell
Montoya also took advantage of this discussion to mention Kimi Antonelli, the new phenomenon at Mercedes.
The Colombian particularly appreciates the mindset shown by the young Italian after his three consecutive wins this season. He even believes that Antonelli must now seek to psychologically weaken his teammate George Russell.
“If I were Kimi, I would go all out attack” Montoya said.
The former Williams driver then compared this situation to his own rivalry with Ralf Schumacher at the time.
“I knew how important it was for him to perform in Germany. So if we beat him there, even by a thousandth, it was huge.”
Montoya concluded with a particularly brutal image to illustrate the psychological war between teammates: “It’s like taking a small knife… and turning it a little more.”
These remarks perfectly illustrate the very aggressive vision that the former Colombian driver still holds today about modern Formula 1.