Why Some F1 Fans Prefer Montoya Over Fangio, Lauda, Senna, and Schumacher
While there seems to be no universal consensus on who the greatest F1 driver of all time is, some fans rank Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton among the best. However, many also place significant importance on Alexander Rossi’s fellow Colombian, Juan Pablo Montoya, highlighting his unique qualities that set him apart.
Raw Speed and Versatility
One of the primary reasons some F1 enthusiasts favor Montoya is his raw speed and versatile driving style. Montoya, renowned for his fearless driving on and off the track, has often been praised for his ability to perform flawlessly across various racing series. In comparison to his contemporaries, such as Ayrton Senna, possibly the greatest of all time, or other greats like Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, or even modern stars like Lewis Hamilton, Montoya stands out with his ability to excel right from the start without relying solely on the quality of his machinery.
In a highly detailed feature from Autosport, an as-yet unnamed fan asserts that 'Montoya probably is more highly rated than his career stats suggest. This is attributed to his raw speed, his refusal to back away from anybody, and his versatility across different series—possibly the best in that regard since Mario Andretti.' This speaks to the belief that Montoya’s true potential was often underestimated, especially given the exceptional qualities of the F1 cars of his era.
The 2003 US Grand Prix Incident
A notable incident during his career casts some light on why some fans might critique Montoya. During the 2003 US Grand Prix, he nearly derailed his own World Drivers' Championship bid when he tangled with Rubens Barrichello during the third lap. Barrichello, a crucial contender for the title, was virtually out of the race at that point. Montoya's rivals, Michael Schumacher and Kimi R?ikk?nen, were not considered major threats at the time, as they were off track and with Schumacher winning and R?ikk?nen finishing second, Montoya's title hopes were effectively over.
Adding to the frustration was Montoya's subsequent failure to capitalize in the 2015 IndyCar season. Leading the points race with just the final race to go, Montoya, who was following teammate Will Power, made a bold overtake attempt—a common trait among top F1 drivers. But when Power went wide, the appropriate action would have been to let him recover and preserve his lead for the championship. Yet, Montoya aggressively lunged for the pass, costing him his championship opportunities.
From Karting to FEWinning
Montoya’s unprecedented rise to stardom is another factor in why some fans hold him in high regard. Unlike his contemporaries who started their F1 careers in more favorable positions—like Fangio, who had access to better machinery or Schumacher, who had the support of powerful teams—Montoya had to fight for every inch of track and every bit of attention. His relentless starting from the karting level, where he demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience, to finally taking the track in F1 and then winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans, proves his true mettle.
His career highlights include his 2000 Formula 3000 championship, finishing second in the 2001 CART Champ Car title, and his victory in the 2013 ABB FIA Formula E Championship. While some may argue that these achievements do not reach the pinnacle of F1 greatness, others consider his unique journey and consistent performance across varied levels of motorsport as a testament to his exceptional driving ability.
In Formula 1: The Untold Odyssey documentary, Juan Manuel Fangio's famous quote, ‘In my times it was 25 the driver 75 the car,’ is brought into perspective. Montoya's success shows the importance of the driver's ability to make the most of the available machinery, often lacking in comparison to the exalted machines of his predecessors.
Ultimately, while every driver's journey and achievements are unique, Montoya’s relentless drive and ability to perform under pressure challenge the conventional rankings of F1 greatness. His story is one of raw talent, courage, and determination that resonates deeply with many fans who value his distinct traits.
Key Takeaways:
Montoya's raw speed and versatility are key reasons for some fan preferences. Controversial incidents, like the 2003 US Grand Prix and 2015 IndyCar, contribute to critiques of his in the field conduct. Montoya's journey from karting to FE winning showcases exceptional resilience and skill.