Juan Pablo Montoya, a former Formula 1 driver, believes that the increased focus on the spectacle of Formula 1 races since the sport came under the ownership of Liberty Global in America is a positive development. He also suggests that complaints from drivers are to be expected, stating, “Complaining is their second nature.”
Now 48, Montoya was active in Formula 1 from 2001 to 2006, during which time he achieved thirty podium finishes and seven victories. At that time, the focus was primarily on the racing, but today, there is more attention on the peripheral aspects. Montoya sees this as a good thing.
“Without a doubt. I hear the criticism too, and of course, it’s a sport, but what many Europeans forget is that we have sponsors. And fans. The sport is obligated to put on the best show possible that everyone can enjoy. Drivers tend to complain a lot. Especially beforehand: ‘This is bad. That’s not fun. Why do we have to do this?’ It’s distracting. And once they’ve experienced it and realized there’s nothing wrong with it, you don’t hear from them anymore. Drivers just need to complain. It seems to be their second nature.”
Formula 1 Has Outgrown Europe
Debate Over F1 Calendar and Fear of Losing Traditional Circuits
There’s a lot of debate in Europe about the F1 calendar, stemming from the fear that traditional circuits like Spa-Francorchamps, Zandvoort, and even Silverstone may eventually have to make way for races on new circuits in countries without a motorsport culture, such as in the Middle East.
“Well, I have an opinion on that. People in Europe need to understand that Formula 1 has become a global sport. It has outgrown Europe. In the past, it was a European sport with a few distant races, but times have changed. Different demands are being made. If our contemporaries had to choose between a race in Spa or, for example, Miami, most would choose Spa. Because of the history and nostalgia. But what Miami does with the sport is much better in the grand scheme of things. The racing is better, the overtaking is better, the show is better.”
“Don’t get me wrong, Spa is a beautiful place and a fantastic circuit. But you also have to put yourself in the fans’ shoes. You don’t see much because it’s full of trees. Spa is a great race to watch at home on TV, but not to attend live. Again, I love Spa and I’m not saying this is a race that should be removed from the calendar, but these days it’s about the experience. And I think the people at Liberty Media understand that very well.”
