Tension rose in the Formula 1 paddock between Max Verstappen and former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya. The Colombian name responded to the Dutch champion’s harsh words without delay.
Targeting Montoya, who has frequently come to the fore with his recent comments, Verstappen used very harsh expressions in his interview with the Dutch press.
The Red Bull pilot included the following words in his statement:
“I don’t know what his problem is. What can you do with someone who talks so much nonsense all the time? I don’t understand why the Formula 1 management gives him tasks sometimes. It’s not good to have someone in the paddock who always says meaningless things. I think he’s trying to talk differently and stay on the agenda.”
However, after Verstappen’s statements, all eyes turned to Montoya. The experienced former pilot stated that he did not want to make a big deal about what happened.
Montoya claimed that there was no personal problem between him and Verstappen and said:
“If Max is really angry about this, it means he has other problems in his life. We have talked before in races, we have always been on good terms. We don’t chat all the time, but we greet each other when we meet. I also say hello to Jos Verstappen.”
The Colombian name claimed that the starting point of the debate was the misinterpretation of the interview he gave to the BBC. Montoya stated that he said pilots who spoke negatively about Formula 1 should be punished, but this was taken out of context.
On the other hand, Montoya also criticized Verstappen’s driving a Mercedes car at the Nürburgring. Reminding especially Ford Motor Company’s investment in the Red Bull project, the former pilot argued that this choice was not correct.
“Max driving a Mercedes while Ford is making such a big investment created a wrong image,” said Montoya, adding that he thought Verstappen did not attach much importance to his ideas.
Former F1 driver and commentator Martin Brundle was also indirectly involved in the discussion. Montoya stated that Brundle came to him on the grid and said, “You made Max angry,” and also hinted that there was tension between the two from the past.
In Formula 1, wars of words outside the paddock continue to create the agenda as much as the competition within the season.
Automobile Magazine – English News
Source link 2026-05-27 20:29:00
