Juan Pablo Montoya has taken a direct shot at the FIA and critics who vilified Max Verstappen for swearing, calling out the hypocrisy in how different drivers are treated.
The Colombian ex-F1 driver blasted the double standards in Formula 1, particularly after Verstappen was handed a community service penalty for using foul language at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix. Montoya argued that if George Russell or Charles Leclerc had done the same, the reaction would have been far more forgiving.
“If it had been George Russell who had sworn, the reaction would’ve been very different compared to if it had been Max,” Montoya said. “You could hear when Charles did it, everyone shrugged and let it go. When Max did it, everyone treated him like he was a terrible person.”
The backlash Verstappen received was in stark contrast to the reaction when Leclerc swore on team radio at the Mexican Grand Prix. Montoya believes this inconsistency is a problem in the sport, where certain drivers get a free pass while others are vilified.
Verstappen’s ‘Pointless’ Community Service Punishment
As part of his punishment, Verstappen was forced to complete community service with junior drivers at the Rwandan Automobile Club after the 2024 season ended. But Montoya saw little value in the penalty, arguing that it neither benefited Verstappen nor Formula 1.
“That’s why the penalties would be fairer if they were community service or other things that provide more benefit to the sport without hindering the driver as much.”
Montoya also called out the FIA’s attempt to sanitize F1, suggesting that trying to control driver emotions too much takes away from the raw intensity of the sport.
‘Do You Want Real Fighters or Little Princesses?’
The fiery Colombian didn’t hold back, calling out the growing expectation that drivers should behave like “corporate robots” rather than passionate competitors.
“Do you want to see drivers’ personalities, or do you want to see little princesses?” Montoya asked. “Do you want to see rough guys being angry, fighting the other guy with passion and love, putting everything on the line?”
For Montoya, the sanitization of F1 personalities is a major concern, as the sport continues to cater to a broader audience. While expanding the sport’s appeal is important, Montoya believes watering down the personalities of drivers like Verstappen ultimately hurts F1.
Does F1 Need a Middle Ground?
With Formula 1’s popularity soaring, the sport faces a delicate balance. The FIA wants to keep things family-friendly, but raw emotions and intensity are part of what makes F1 exciting.
The question remains: Should F1 allow drivers to be their authentic selves, or does the sport need to clean up its image to maintain global appeal?
Verstappen, for his part, has accepted his punishment—but don’t expect him to change his approach anytime soon. And with outspoken figures like Montoya speaking up, it’s clear this debate isn’t going away.