MAX VERSTAPPEN HANDED 'SELFISH' EDGE IN SHOCKING F1 DRIVER VERDICT

Is this what separates the Red Bull driver from his peers on the F1 grid?

© Red Bull Content Pool

Max Verstappen's 'selfish' streak has been labelled as a key differentiator between the four-time F1 champion and his rivals.

Verstappen has become renowned over the years for his ruthlessness on track, earning him his four drivers' titles, 71 grands prix victories, and 48 pole positions.

It has led to criticism of the Red Bull driver at times and proven detrimental, as was the case last year when he deliberately turned into the Mercedes of George Russell during the Spanish Grand Prix.

The incident earned Verstappen a time penalty, relegating him from fifth at the chequered flag to 10th on the classification, with the lost points playing a role in the 28-year-old Dutchman missing out on a fifth consecutive crown.

Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya can relate to Verstappen's attitude on track, and to the way he conducts himself off it, in not wanting to get too friendly with his rivals.

"I would wake up and figure out how I could beat the hell out of everybody," said the seven-time grand prix winner on the Chequered Flag podcast with Damon Hill. "You've got to be selfish.

"You know, for me, it's shocking. You look at them [the F1 drivers], they all go play padel together, and they're really good friends and go for dinner together."

"But that's why Max is good, because he doesn't play along."

Suggested to Montoya that Verstappen and Bortoleto have developed a good friendship over time, notably sim racing together, Montoya replied: "But if Bortoleto was competitive, in a competitive car, the friendship would still be there?

"So you're going to tell me when Max cuts [gets cut up by Bortoleto], he's going to go, 'I'm not going to dive bomb and put you in the wall like I do everybody else'. Come on!"

- Ian Parkes

MONTOYA RIPS APART 'DISRESPECTFUL' VERSTAPPEN: 'PARK HIM!'

 

Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has heavily come down on Max Verstappen, suggesting the four-time world champion should be punished for his outspoken criticism of the sport’s new regulations.

Verstappen has been one of the most vocal opponents of Formula 1’s 2026 rules overhaul, repeatedly branding the changes as damaging to racing. But Montoya believes the Dutchman has crossed a line – and that the FIA should step in.

Montoya did not hold back when addressing Verstappen’s tone, arguing that criticism of the sport must come with a level of respect.

"You've got to respect the sport," the seven-time Grand Prix winner said, speaking on the BBC’s Chequered Flag podcast.

"For me, what the drivers are doing, I'm okay with you not liking the regulations, but the way you were speaking about what you're living off and your own sport, there should be consequences for that."

In a striking escalation, the Colombian proposed a severe disciplinary response – one that could push Verstappen dangerously close to a race ban.

"Park him! Add seven points to the licence, eight points to the licence. Whatever you do after, you're going to be parked. I guarantee you all the messaging would be different," he said.

Such a move would represent an extraordinary intervention, effectively warning Verstappen that continued criticism could carry tangible sporting consequences.

Drawing the line on “Mario Kart” remarks

Verstappen’s frustration with the new regulations has been clear for months, with comparisons ranging from “Mario Kart” machinery to “Formula E on steroids.”

While Montoya accepts drivers have the right to speak their minds, he insists there is a boundary.

"I'm not saying, 'Don't say that you don't like the regulations', because if you don't like it, you have the complete right to an opinion," he explained.

"It's okay to be outspoken. I'm not saying don't be outspoken, but don't come and call an F1 car a Mario Kart."

For Montoya, the issue isn’t dissent – it’s delivery.

Politics, pressure, and the bigger picture

The former Williams and McLaren driver also hinted that Verstappen’s comments may not exist in isolation, suggesting team influence could be shaping the narrative.

"So there are two things there. One, what he really feels, and two, is what the team is probably asking him to say," he explained.

"The politics of the sport are really important, and the message the drivers come across and ask for, a lot of them are guided. They tell you we really need to push for this because this is going to really help us."

Montoya’s remarks fuel a contentious debate: where should Formula 1 draw the line between free expression and protecting its image?

For Verstappen – never one to dilute his opinions – the question may not be whether he speaks out again, but whether the sport is willing to act if he does.

- Phillip van Osten

'I GET ANGRY WHEN I WATCH F1 BECAUSE IT'S SO BIASED TO BRITISH DRIVERS'

Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has expressed anger at the sport for its bias towards British drivers. According to him, Formula 1 has always favoured British drivers in one way or another. The Colombian sees some common ground with Max Verstappen because they both have 'the wrong passport'.

'I get angry when I watch F1'

“I get angry when I watch F1 because it is so biased towards British drivers. They claim to be neutral, but they are not. 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!"

Claims of British bias were stoked after the Mexican Grand Prix this season, where Max Verstappen received two ten-second penalties after forcing Lando Norris off the track. Particular criticism was sent the way of F1 steward and former driver Johnny Herbert. As a pundit, the Brit was highly opinionated. Jos Verstappen 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."

49-year-old Juan Pablo Montoya was active in Formula 1 from 2001 to 2006 for Williams and McLaren. During that time, he managed seven victories. Montoya also spent many years racing in the United States, in both IndyCar and the NASCAR Cup Series.

- Toby Nixon, Editor

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