Juan Pablo Montoya commented again on the recent controversy involving Max Verstappen and took the opportunity to make a revelation about his relationship with Martin Brundle. The former Formula 1 driver stated that he never had a good relationship with the also former driver of the category and current British commentator, and indicated that the lack of sympathy between the two is mutual.
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The statement came after an episode that occurred before the Canadian GP. On that occasion, Brundle approached Montoya during his traditional walk along the starting grid and mentioned the repercussion of the criticisms previously made by the Colombian about Verstappen.
This controversy began weeks earlier, when Montoya participated in the BBC’s Chequered Flag podcast. During the conversation, the former Williams and McLaren driver argued that competitors who repeatedly criticize Formula 1 should face sporting consequences. He even suggested that Verstappen could receive penalty points on his super license for public statements against the current regulations of the category.
Montoya’s remarks provoked a reaction from the four-time world champion. Questioned by the newspaper De Telegraaf, Verstappen rebutted the criticisms and said he did not care about the opinion of someone who, according to him, often makes unfounded comments. The Red Bull Racing driver also questioned the space given to this type of statement by media linked to Formula 1.
During the weekend in Montreal, Brundle recalled the episode when he met Montoya on the grid. According to the Colombian, the commentator mentioned that he had irritated Verstappen with his statements. The response was short and direct: “Nothing new,” said Montoya.
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Later, when commenting on the case, the Colombian downplayed any idea of conflict with Verstappen. According to him, the two have already talked several times on race weekends and have always maintained a cordial relationship. Montoya also stated that he usually greets Jos Verstappen and that there has never been any personal problem between them.
“There is no drama between Max and me. If he got angry about this, then he has more problems in life than he should. We have already talked at races and, actually, we get along very well. We don’t talk much, but we greet each other,” he said.
Montoya also explained that his remarks were not exclusively aimed at Verstappen. According to him, his position is that any athlete who repeatedly speaks negatively about the championship they compete in should be subject to penalties, regardless of who they are.
Recalling the conversation with Brundle in Montreal, the Colombian was even more direct about the relationship between the two: “Martin Brundle, who never liked me, and the feeling is mutual, came to talk to me on the grid. He said: ‘I saw you irritated Max.’ I replied: ‘Nothing new’,” the Colombian concluded.
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