Max Verstappen didn’t hold back after the first test week in Bahrain. The Dutchman was openly critical of the new F1 regulations coming into the upcoming F1 season. He was unhappy with the level of electrification and the heavy focus on energy management. Although Verstappen has since softened his stance somewhat, he nevertheless receives a broadside from former driver Juan Pablo Montoya, who reminds him of his duty as a role model.
Verstappen labelled the new F1 regulations “Formula E on steroids” and suggested that those developments could eventually push him toward the exit. He added that his comments probably wouldn’t go down well, but that he felt it important to speak his mind honestly. Montoya accepts that, but argues that as a multiple world champion Verstappen also has a responsibility to protect Formula 1’s image.
“A world champion like Verstappen — even though he’s entitled to say what he wants — must also take responsibility,” Montoya said on an AS Colombia podcast. “You’re a leading figure in the sport. It’s fine that he has an opinion, but at the same time he also represents the product. It’s like Lando Norris already said: ‘If you don’t like it, then get off.’ Max doesn’t really mind racing, as long as his salary is paid into his account each month,” the former driver added. “And if he stops, there are plenty of replacements lining up.”
‘Previous car was a battle tank’
Montoya clarified why he thinks Verstappen carries a responsibility toward the fans. “If Max publicly says the regulations are disastrous, people will believe that’s the case,” he explained. “Of course Formula 1 will look different, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s worse. The car won’t feel like last year, but back then the drivers were piloting what amounted to a 400-metre-long battle tank,” he joked. “The new cars are still big, but much easier to manage. On street circuits they’ll inevitably be better, because they’re more in proportion to the track.”
“It’s also typical that people are now saying the cars can’t follow each other like they used to,” Montoya continued. “That was said back when the ground effect regulations arrived as well. You have to focus on what’s in front of you. If he wins, you don’t hear him complain, but if he smashes the car to pieces, suddenly it’s the regulations’ fault. If I were on the F1 board, I’d be a lot tougher on the people who represent my product,” he concluded pointedly.
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