Juan Pablo Montoya wants F1 drivers punished for disrespecting the sport. The same sport he quit in 2006.
The Colombian, now 50 and firmly planted in IndyCar’s sunset division, believes current F1 drivers should face race bans and hefty fines for showing insufficient reverence. This from a man who spent his final F1 seasons publicly feuding with McLaren before storming off to NASCAR.
Montoya’s timing is impeccable. F1 currently features 19-year-old championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who has three wins already this season. Meanwhile, Montoya’s last F1 victory was at the 2005 Brazilian GP.
The irony runs deeper. Montoya famously criticized F1’s politics and “boring” racing before his departure. Now he wants today’s drivers—who actually stuck around—to show more respect.
'These young drivers don't understand what F1 means. They need to be taught respect.'
— Montoya, presumably
We found this written on a napkin in the McLaren hospitality.
His proposed penalties include substantial fines and potential race suspensions. No word on whether abandoning the championship entirely would warrant similar punishment.
The current grid includes drivers like Alonso, who’s still racing at 42, and Hamilton, who moved to Ferrari at 40. Both outlasted Montoya by decades.
Perhaps most telling: Montoya suggests F1 needs protecting from drivers who don’t appreciate its prestige. This from someone who publicly called it a “parade” before leaving for stock cars.
'Back in my day, we respected the sport properly.'
— Montoya, definitely
Our lip-reading intern swears this is what was said.
The FIA has not responded to Montoya’s suggestions. They’re probably too busy managing actual F1 drivers who didn’t quit 18 years ago.
Revolutionary strategy indeed. Demand respect for something you walked away from. Bold.