Two-time Indy 500 winner admits he would be 'kicked out' of modern F1

Thumbnail for article regarding Montoya on F1 calendar — Photo: © IMAGO

Juan Pablo Montoya

Two-time Indy 500 winner admits he would be 'kicked out' of modern F1

Juan Pablo Montoya compares F1 from the early 2000s to today

By Jay Winter.

Thursday 15 August 2024 03:00

Former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya has confessed that his aggressive driving style and outspoken nature would likely see him ejected from the sport if he were competing today.

Montoya, who won seven grands prix during his career from 2001 to 2006, reflected on how the sport has evolved, admitting that his past antics would no longer be tolerated in the current F1 environment.

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Now a popular figure in the paddock as a pundit and commentator, the two-time Indy 500 winner candidly discussed his racing days while speaking with fans during a paddock tour.

Speaking exclusively to GPBlog, he recalled how the sport's culture in his era allowed for a more combative approach, something that he believes would be unacceptable in today’s more regulated and scrutinised F1.

Montoya: F1 driver mentality is 'different'

Juan Pablo Montoya raced in F1 from 2001 to 2006

The Colombian was referencing an incident where his unsportsmanlike conduct during qualifying led to a chain-reaction crash that involved several drivers.

“The sport has changed a lot. It’s not just me—everyone raced with a different mentality back then. It was a very cultural sport, and now it’s a little different.”

Montoya also had successful stints in IndyCar and NASCAR

Despite stepping away from full-time racing, Montoya remains deeply connected to the sport.

When he’s not guiding tours or sharing anecdotes, he’s offering his unfiltered analysis of current events in F1, much like he did during his racing days.

“Some things haven’t changed,” he laughed.

Montoya’s reflections offer a stark contrast between F1 of the early 2000s and the highly controlled environment of the modern era, underscoring how much the sport has evolved in just over a decade.

NASCAR Mercedes F1 Indy 500 Juan Pablo Montoya