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Montoya Weighs in on ‘British Bias,’ FIA Governance, and Verstappen’s Frustrations

David Castro by David Castro
December 11, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
Montoya Weighs in on ‘British Bias,’ FIA Governance, and Verstappen’s Frustrations

Formula One F1 - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - December 7, 2024 Red Bull's Max Verstappen REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed

As the dust settles on a thrilling 2024 Formula 1 season that saw Max Verstappen claim his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship and McLaren secure the Constructors’ crown, tensions remain high in the paddock. Verstappen’s recent accusations of “British bias” in the sport—highlighted during his Vegas title win—have drawn mixed reactions, with former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya offering his own pointed critique.

Speaking to Instant Casino, Montoya echoed Verstappen’s sentiments while addressing broader concerns about FIA governance and its impact on the sport.

The ‘British Bias’ Debate

Montoya backed Verstappen’s claims, citing an apparent favoritism in English-language commentary and media coverage. He drew attention to discrepancies in how mistakes by drivers are portrayed based on their nationality:

“When Lando [Norris] makes a mistake, the commentators frame it as rare or an anomaly. But when Checo [Perez] spins, the immediate reaction is to blame his talent or suggest he doesn’t belong in F1. When Max talked about having the ‘wrong passport,’ I could relate to that.”

Montoya’s comments align with Verstappen’s ongoing critique of what he perceives as undue British media attention on homegrown talents like Norris, particularly during key moments of the championship battle.

Inconsistencies in FIA Stewarding

Montoya also took aim at the FIA’s governance under President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, suggesting that historical biases and inconsistent stewarding have marred the sport’s reputation:

“If the FIA doesn’t like you, you’re more likely to face penalties—even if you’re innocent. It’s a reputation that sticks with you, whether fair or not.”

He drew parallels between F1 penalties and societal stigmas, likening the treatment of certain drivers to repeat offenders judged on past mistakes.

On Driving Standards and the GPDA

Montoya critiqued driver behavior and the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) for inconsistencies in applying the rules they helped shape:

“The rules are straightforward—if you’re side by side at the apex, you share the road. Yet drivers continue to push the limits, and penalties follow. But let’s not forget: the drivers were involved in writing these rules. If they’re complaining now, it raises the question—why?”

He highlighted the perception of some drivers, such as Kevin Magnussen, as overly aggressive. Montoya noted that even with improved enforcement, reputations for dangerous driving often precede the driver, creating a cycle of scrutiny and penalties.

On Verstappen’s Frustrations

Verstappen’s clash with the FIA and media in 2024 wasn’t just about on-track penalties but also stemmed from broader frustrations with how the sport is governed. Montoya acknowledged the tension between Verstappen and the FIA but questioned whether drivers’ complaints about penalties and governance are entirely justified:

“Drivers feel disrespected, but penalties exist for a reason. If you make a mistake, you face consequences. It’s not perfect, but consistency is improving.”

Looking Ahead

As Verstappen and Norris prepare for another likely championship battle in 2025, Montoya’s observations underscore ongoing challenges in F1’s governance and media narrative. His critique of the FIA’s inconsistencies and the GPDA’s role in rule-making highlights the complexities of managing a sport that balances fierce competition with global scrutiny.

Montoya left fans and analysts with a final provocative thought:

“If the drivers are part of the decision-making for fairness in the sport, then why are they complaining when the rules are enforced?”

The comments set the stage for further debate as Formula 1 looks to refine its approach to fairness, governance, and the perception of bias heading into a new season.

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