Since the start of the season,
Max Verstappen has no longer hidden his discomfort with the
new regulations. Between omnipresent energy management
and a loss of feeling on the track, the four-time world champion
is increasing his media appearances.
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The Dutchman has even suggested
that a departure from Formula 1 could be considered, as
his pleasure in driving seems so affected. A position he fully
assumes, while rejecting the idea that his criticisms are linked
to Red Bull’s current difficulties.
According to him, even if he were less
competitive, he would accept the situation if the driving remained pure
and instinctive. But this discourse is starting to annoy certain figures
in the paddock.
Montoya breaks his silence… and hits hard
Former F1 driver
Juan Pablo Montoya did not mince his words. In a
particularly direct stance, the Colombian invites Verstappen to
radically change his approach.
“If you are unhappy in F1, you must leave”
he asserts, before driving the point home: “If I were him, I would keep quiet, I would accept the
situation and I would admit that he has a bad car.”
A filterless discourse, which
contrasts with the usual caution of the paddock. For Montoya, the
repeated threats of departure bring nothing constructive and
even undermine Verstappen’s message.
At the heart of the criticism is
a strong idea: no driver, even at the top, is indispensable.
Montoya insists on this point firmly.
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“In the end, no one is bigger than the
sport” he recalls, even comparing the situation to a
personal relationship where the balance is no longer there.
According to him, Verstappen is taking a
real risk by using a potential departure as leverage.
Formula 1 could very well continue without him, and a
possible return would not be guaranteed.
“If you leave, you have to understand that it might be
permanent” he warns.
A
risky strategy for Verstappen
Behind this forceful outburst,
Verstappen’s entire communication strategy is being
questioned. By constantly criticizing the rules publicly,
the Dutchman exposes himself to a backlash, including from
former drivers.
In a context where the
discipline is going through a major technical transition period,
tensions are inevitable. But for Montoya, the solution does
not involve repeated threats.
The debate is now open:
should Verstappen continue to raise his voice to make
F1 evolve, or adopt a more measured posture?
One thing is certain: his stances no
longer leave anyone indifferent.
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