Juan Pablo Montoya, a legendary Formula 1 driver known for his competitive streak in the early 2000s, is back in the paddock—not as a racer but as an enthusiastic observer. With seven Grand Prix victories and 30 podiums to his name during his time with Williams and McLaren, Montoya’s insights carry weight. While attending the Mexico City Grand Prix, he spoke with F1.com about the high-stakes storylines unfolding this season.
As the temperature rises on the track at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Montoya strolls through the paddock with his family, including his son Sebastián, who has followed in his father’s footsteps by racing in Formula 3. The atmosphere mirrors the heated competition between multiple teams this year, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen facing formidable challenges from rivals like McLaren’s Lando Norris. This year, unlike previous seasons, the battle for the constructors’ championship has turned into a thrilling three-team fight.
After Verstappen’s dominant start to the season, where he secured seven wins out of the first ten races, Red Bull looked set for another clean sweep. However, as the season progressed, teams like McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes have made significant strides, closing the gap. Their improvements, paired with some setbacks for Red Bull, have created a more unpredictable race dynamic. Verstappen and Red Bull, who were once untouchable, haven’t clinched a win since the Spanish Grand Prix in June. Instead, McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes have all taken turns at the top, sparking excitement across the racing community.
Montoya is thrilled by the unexpected turn of events. “It’s really interesting now,” he shares, reflecting on the season’s evolution. “At the beginning, it seemed like a repeat of last year with Red Bull dominating. But it’s incredible how much has shifted. It’s exciting not just for the remainder of this season but looking ahead to next year too.” With the final races of the season approaching, including sprint weekends in Brazil and Qatar, every point will be vital in the constructors’ battle, where just 54 points separate Red Bull, McLaren, and Ferrari.
Momentum has indeed swung throughout the season. Red Bull had the early advantage, McLaren took the reins midway, and now Ferrari is making a late-season charge, securing top finishes in recent races. Ferrari’s back-to-back strong performances, achieved through meticulous car developments, have put them within reach of the title, intensifying the final rounds of the season.
As for Montoya’s prediction on who will ultimately emerge victorious, he remains tight-lipped, keeping fans on edge. Yet, one thing is clear: the once predictable Formula 1 season has turned into an exhilarating multi-team showdown, with fierce rivalries and competitive respect steering the sport into new, exciting territory.