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Montoya: Verstappen’s Aggression a Non-Issue for Red Bull

David Castro by David Castro
December 16, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
VIDEO – Max Verstappen Explodes: Slams FIA as ‘Stupid Idiots’ After 10-Second Penalty for Piastri Clash

Juan Pablo Montoya, a seasoned veteran of Formula 1, recently shared insights into Max Verstappen’s aggressive driving style, emphasizing that Red Bull Racing sees no issue with their star driver’s assertiveness—even when it leads to collisions.

Montoya’s remarks came on the heels of Verstappen securing his fourth world championship in 2024 after a fiercely contested season against Lando Norris of McLaren. While Verstappen’s raw speed and racecraft have earned him accolades, his on-track aggression and high-profile incidents have also sparked debate.


Red Bull’s Acceptance of Verstappen’s Style

Montoya suggested that Verstappen’s bold approach behind the wheel—often skating the line between brilliance and controversy—is not only tolerated but seemingly encouraged by Red Bull. He cited Verstappen’s notable clashes with Lando Norris, including a major collision at the Austrian GP and a 20-second penalty at the Mexican GP, as examples of his uncompromising style.

“Verstappen drives them [other drivers] crazy. First of all, he doesn’t make a lot of mistakes or any. And secondly, he’s comfortable crashing, and the team is happy if he crashes.”
— Juan Pablo Montoya

Montoya’s assertion that Red Bull supports Verstappen’s approach underscores the team’s philosophy of prioritizing performance and victory over conservatism. For Red Bull, Verstappen’s ability to push the limits—even at the cost of occasional penalties or DNFs—has been integral to their dominance in recent years.


Comparisons to Norris and Leclerc

Montoya also analyzed Verstappen’s rivals, particularly Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc, who have shown flashes of brilliance but have often come up short in direct battles with the Dutchman. Montoya believes that while Norris and Leclerc possess the speed to win races, they lack the ruthless edge Verstappen brings to wheel-to-wheel combat.

“Charles and Lando are very similar where they have amazing ultimate speed that when things line up, they can win the races. They have enough speed to get the job done. But they’re not the guy that is going to go wheel to wheel and come out ahead.”

This distinction, according to Montoya, sets Verstappen apart as a championship-caliber driver. His ability to intimidate rivals in tight battles and come out on top is a psychological edge that has been instrumental in his success.


The Target on Verstappen’s Back in 2025

As Verstappen heads into the 2025 season, Red Bull and their star driver face heightened expectations and intensified scrutiny. McLaren, with Norris and a resurgent Oscar Piastri, has emerged as a serious contender, while Ferrari and Mercedes aim to close the gap.

Verstappen’s aggressive tactics could once again become a focal point, especially if he finds himself under sustained pressure from rivals. With teams like McLaren eager to dethrone Red Bull, Verstappen may be forced to dig deeper into his playbook of daring maneuvers to maintain his dominance.


A Champion Who Thrives on the Edge

Montoya’s comments capture the essence of Verstappen’s racing philosophy: calculated aggression that occasionally veers into chaos. For Red Bull, it’s a risk worth taking. The Dutch driver’s relentless pursuit of victory, even at the cost of controversy, is what has made him one of the most formidable competitors in F1 history.

As Montoya aptly puts it, Verstappen’s willingness to crash—and Red Bull’s apparent comfort with it—may well be the secret ingredient that keeps the team at the top. The question for 2025 is whether this approach will continue to pay dividends or whether rivals will finally find a way to exploit its vulnerabilities.

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