Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has questioned the friendship between Max Verstappen and Gabriel Bortoleto, claiming that the pair would not be such good associates in the event that they had been combating in equally aggressive vehicles. Montoya additionally claimed that Verstappen would not hesitate to place Bortoleto within the “limitations” if he was battling him on observe.
Verstappen and Bortoleto had develop into good associates since even earlier than the latter joined the F1 grid in 2025. However because the Brazilian’s debut within the sequence, the pair have develop into even nearer, with Bortoleto even praising Verstappen for serving to him by his rookie 12 months in F1.
However former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has questioned their friendship, claiming that the 2 wouldn’t be good associates if Bortoleto was additionally driving in aggressive vehicles. Whereas talking on the Chequered Flag podcast, Montoya shared his shock on the shut friendships between the drivers on the present driver, as he mentioned:
“That is actually stunning to me. You look and see that everybody is excellent associates and goes out to dinner collectively. However that is why Max does nicely. As a result of he does not get into that sport,”
When reminded of Verstappen’s relationship with Bortoleto, Montoya replied, saying:
“What if Bortoleto was in a aggressive automobile, would that friendship stay the identical? You assume that if Max is pressured by Bortoleto on the observe, he would say, ‘He is my good friend, I am not going to ship him into the limitations’? I do not consider that!”
Juan Pablo Montoya has been extraordinarily crucial of Max Verstappen lately, taking subject with the Dutchman’s criticism of the 2026 F1 rules. In a latest rant, Montoya even urged that the 4x world champion ought to be handed penalty factors on his tremendous license for “disrespecting” the game through his criticism.
Juan Pablo Montoya questions reward for Max Verstappen’s lap 1 save on the Miami GP
Juan Pablo Montoya has additionally questioned folks praising Max Verstappen’s lap 1 save on the Miami GP, claiming that the second was extra all the way down to luck than talent in his opinion. The Pink Bull driver acquired reward from many followers and consultants for the save, even together with Martin Brundle on Sky Sports activities commentary.
However the maneuver didn’t impress Montoya, who, whereas talking on the aforementioned podcast, mentioned it was all the way down to luck greater than the rest.
“For me, all people was saying Max was unbelievable, how he managed his spin. I feel that was pure luck,” mentioned Montoya.
However I don’t have something towards Max, excuse me,” he added.
Max Verstappen misplaced management of his RB22 whereas battling Charles Leclerc for the lead within the first few corners, however did a full 360° flip and stayed on the observe earlier than persevering with the race. The half which was undeniably fortunate was that not one of the drivers behind him collided behind his automobile as he managed to flee the entire incident with none injury.
Edited by Charanjot Singh Kohli
