Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has voiced his frustration with what he perceives as favoritism towards British drivers in the sport. Montoya, who competed in F1 from 2001 to 2006 with Williams and McLaren, believes that Formula 1 has long shown a preference for drivers from Britain, a sentiment that has led him to draw comparisons between his own experiences and those of Max Verstappen.
Montoya Expresses Frustration with F1's Bias
“I get angry when I watch F1 because it is so biased towards British drivers. They claim to be neutral, but they are not," Montoya shared, highlighting his frustration with the sport's favoritism. His comments were particularly aimed at the structure of F1, where he feels the influence of British drivers is disproportionately large.
The Colombian driver continued, referencing Verstappen’s past comments: "I was amused when Max said he was born with the wrong passport and that he is European. Imagine how hard it is to be Colombian!" Montoya sees common ground with Verstappen, as both share the experience of racing under what they perceive to be an unjust system due to their nationality.
Verstappen's Controversial Mexican Grand Prix Incident
Montoya's claims of bias were amplified following the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix, where Verstappen faced penalties after an incident with Lando Norris. Verstappen was penalized with two ten-second penalties for forcing Norris off the track, sparking further debate about the perceived partiality within the sport.
A notable figure in this controversy was former F1 driver and pundit Johnny Herbert, a British national who was outspoken in his criticisms of Verstappen’s actions. This led Verstappen’s father, Jos, to question the integrity of F1’s officiating. He stated, "The FIA should take a good look at the staffing of the stewards, who they put there and whether there is no appearance of a conflict of interest. From former drivers, for example, who have more sympathy for certain drivers."
Montoya's Career and Legacy in Motorsport
Montoya, who retired from Formula 1 in 2006 after securing seven race victories, has since continued his racing career in the United States, competing in both IndyCar and the NASCAR Cup Series. Despite his success, Montoya’s feelings of being an outsider due to his Colombian roots remain a defining part of his experience in motorsport.
His comments add to the ongoing debate about fairness and bias in F1, as the sport continues to navigate issues related to nationality, team allegiance, and favoritism.