F1 legend offers hot Verstappen take as 'TERRIBLE PERSON' verdict delivered

Formula 1 legend Juan Pablo Montoya has delivered a hot Max Verstappen take on a controversial issue.

In 2024, Verstappen celebrated a fourth consecutive world drivers' championship, cementing his place as the best driver currently in F1.

READ MORE: F1 champion Max Verstappen makes heartwarming family announcement

However, it was an uncharacteristically turbulent campaign for the Red Bull star, who faced speculation over his future as well criticism over his behavior on the track, most notably from fellow drivers Lando Norris and George Russell.

Verstappen also fell foul of the sport's governing body, who hit him with a bizarre punishment - the F1 equivalent of community service - following his use of bad language in a press conference in response to the FIA's clampdown on driver swearing.

The incident prompted the 27-year-old to threaten to quit the sport for good as his frustrations both on and off the track boiled over.

READ MORE: McLaren announce driver CHANGE in official statement

Montoya: Verstappen treated like terrible person

However, former McLaren and Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes the abuse Verstappen received within certain quarters as a result of his language was unfair.

Speaking to Casino Apps, the Columbian cast doubt over whether some of his main rivals would get the same treatment for similar offenses.

“Charles Leclerc did the same thing [at the Mexican Grand Prix]," Montoya said. "I understand because of the young audience F1 has, but nowadays they all hear it and use it - in school, in kindergarten.

“There's a line you can draw for everything, but these press conferences, they're not live. If it happened live then I would understand it, as you're in front of millions of people.

“On a Friday or Thursday press conference, I just don't understand it. You want personalities, you want to see people express themselves.

"But, it's down to how the media handles it. They can easily make a big deal out of it.

“For example, if it had been George Russell who had sworn, the reaction would've been very different if it had been Max.

"You could hear when Charles did it, everyone shrugged and let it go. When Max did it, everyone treated him like he was a terrible person."

READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: Ricciardo tipped for US adventure after PAINFUL F1 experience

Related

F1 News

F1 legend reveals KEY reason behind Hamilton Cullen reunion

• Today 00:00

Max Verstappen

Verstappen labelled a 'F****** IDIOT' by rival

• Yesterday 16:00