Montoya explains: 'If the FIA don't like you, you're penalised more often'
08:00, 21 Dec 2024
29 Comments
Even though Max Verstappen won his fourth world title in 2024, the multiple run-ins that he had with the stewards can't be overlooked. The Dutchman was penalised harshly for actions that other drivers might have gotten away with more lenient punishment. Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes that the stewards have a tendency to make biased decisions.
A big complaint from some F1 drivers this season, especially world champion Max Verstappen, was that the stewards were inconsistent in their sanctioning policy. Montoya reveals via Instant Casino that he feels the same way. "I do agree there's always been inconsistency," he begins.
Then - without mentioning Verstappen by name - he comes up with an example: "If the FIA don't like you normally what happens with a race steward is that if you are penalised for an incident the next time you're there, 90 per cent of the time even if you're innocent, they're going to penalise you because you have previous history," Montoya said.
One example was the Qatar Grand Prix, where Verstappen lost his pole position for blocking George Russell while both weren't on a push lap. The saga between the two seeped into the following weekend in Abu Dhabi with Verstappen firmly believing that the stewards made yet another one-sided decision after his previous 20-second time penalty in Mexico.
Montoya sees biased stewards:
The former F1 driver uses an interesting analogy to explain the situation. "In their mind, they cannot erase what you did before. You get a reputation. Even if you already paid the penalty. It’s like if you’ve stolen some money and you go to jail, you leave jail, money goes missing somewhere, and the next time a cop catches you, they're going to assume you did it. That's the deal.”
This article was written in collaboration with Toby Nixon
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I just watched the Senna series.
Unbelievable the treatment he received from to top dogs if the FIA. It's not new the way they treat drivers with the wrong passports. A lot of similarities in treatment between senna and max.
Your comparison between Senna and Max is a bit of a stretch. While it's true that Senna faced significant challenges, including conflicts with FIA leadership, these were often rooted in specific incidents, rivalries, and the highly political nature of F1 at the time. Senna's struggles were unique to his era, as were the dynamics of his rivalries, particularly with Prost.
Max Verstappen’s journey, on the other hand, has been vastly different. He's benefited from a dominant car and a team that has strategically aligned itself to support him. While some may argue he faces criticism or scrutiny, this is far from the institutional pushback Senna encountered. Equating their experiences diminishes the very real adversity Senna faced, which was deeply tied to his outspoken personality and the politics of his era. Max is championing swearing for God sake ? Senna was doing so much more ? please don't even compare ?
Drivers are criticized for various reasons, but to reduce it all to nationality or "wrong passports" oversimplifies a complex sport. Max has had his share of controversies, but let’s not conflate that with systemic treatment like Senna experienced.
"Your comparison between Senna and Max is a bit of a stretch."
Nothing new for n anti max propaganda spreader.
As opposed to a 'pro Max propaganda spreader'. All glory be unto him right? I bet you lot say that every morning when you wake up and before you go to bed.
" I bet you lot say that every morning when you wake up and before you go to bed."
???, I am a Max fan, but nothing like that, sorry.
Ah, the classic 'anti-Max propaganda' accusation. When in doubt, just throw that label around, right? If pointing out a factual difference between two drivers is now 'propaganda,' then you might want to re-evaluate what discussion actually means. But hey, if dismissing valid comparisons helps you sleep at night, carry on.
Lol
Ah yes, the classic "denial" argument when you've got nothing else to say. Funny how calling out baseless assumptions suddenly becomes denial. Keep projecting though, it's entertaining.
Lol denial is very very big in this one.
What do I mean? Exactly what I said. But it’s hilarious how you think you’ve got me all figured out. "Everyone knows"? Really? Is that your evidence—your own opinion disguised as some universal truth?
If you’re so sure about how I feel, feel free to pull up those magical posts where I apparently "dislike" Max. Otherwise, stop pretending to read minds and stick to facts instead of making baseless assumptions.
What do you mean when in doubt? Everyone and I mean everyone knows exactly how you feel about max. Stop pretending that you don't dislike max. It's in every post you make.
For cursing Max got community service, Leclerc a fine!
So ther is a difference in punishment.
I agree! That's what I said the other day. The parallels are pretty close.
Senna never had 'the wrong passport'. This whole wrong passport line is weak and simply a case of Max playing himself as the victim.
Balestre was cosied up with Prost, we know that, and we know from 2021 that the FIA are corrupt.
But not one RB fan believed the FIA were after AD'21. It's only when Max gets penalties for actual infringments, that you think otherwise. Which is insane.
If he was getting punished unduly or for the wrong reasons, then you can have an argument. This is not the case though.
Max has gotten away with more than he's been punished for and that's a simple fact.
Apart from the fact that both are and were F1 drivers, there is no comparison between Senna and Max. None. And there never will be.
Senna was more than Max could ever dream of being.
Nobody was talking about Max or 2021, but every comment you make somehow ends up with 2021 and Max
I won't forget how Lewis was targeted for many seasons even lost him 2 WDC .
They conveniently forget that though. Now it's all about Max, the promotion of Max, the glorification of Max and the cult mindset.
You forgot 2021 Abu Dhabi.
Oh yeah, that time where Max was totally unable to beat Lewis in the final round so his team used a car crash to instigate a cheat by influencing the race director to break the rules of the sport, twice, to enable Max to win an unwinnable race and gift him an illegal championship.
Thanks for the reminder.
First off all, I don't think you need a reminder.
second, what has this to do with Max cheating.
25 points in Silverstone (and we all know how he got that, by deliberate pushing Max on his rear wheel), Max zero, Baku, Lewis screwed his 100% win in the first corner, otherwise he would be a 8th time wc, but he just froze and lost his nerves.
Good explanation.
That's even more true if a steward is openly biased againt a driver and airs his opinion openly while goliving other drivers 'tips' on how to race said driver.
And stewards (like Derek Warwick - Honda dealership owner) that are biased towards a driver.
Derek was never this stupid in public, was he.
Herbert already announcing the wc for 2025 is a bit to much, for sure Max, Lewis and 16 other drivers will try to win
Derek has never been interviewed by the media.
Herbert hasn't been stupid either. He is allowed his opinion.
Herbert has announced nothing. He can't predict the future.
He has given his opinion on who he thinks could win. And based on the form of late 2024, his opinion is valid. He doesn't have to pick Max.
And not picking Max doesn't mean it's a conspiracy.
It might be time to be a but more mature and reasoned about this.
Now you restrict my freedom to talk to whoever I want?
Sounds lika a little boy who can't handle a little bit comment on his biased comments.
bye bye
This called, not only give, but also know how to receive comments.
But what ever.
Our interactions are over. Find someone else to talk to on here instead of just targetting me.
Simmer over Herbert all you want. I hope Herbert says more just to get under your skin even more.
Bye bye.
We're done. Find someone else to talk to.
Never interviewed, he given his view on 2025 season, and as a stewart who can bend things his way he has to be quiet in public, like a referee on a football match saying Arsenal going to beat Manchester before a game and with some what strange decisions Arsenal wins, just saying in his position he better stop his predictions.