Jul.29 (GMM) Two years after walking away from formula one, Juan Pablo Montoya still bristles with negativity about his nearly six seasons on the grid.
The Colombian, now 32, has recorded just 8 top-ten results in 56 Sprint Cup starts since switching to NASCAR, but he has no thoughts about returning to grand prix racing.
"In formula one they want you to be a robot," Montoya, who won 7 grands prix in his 95 races for Williams and McLaren, is quoted as saying by Germany's Sport Bild.
"If you have a strong personality, you will have problems," he explained. "I don't regret anything about changing to NASCAR.
"Many people in F1 forget that it is a sport. McLaren for example take it much too seriously.
"With BMW-Williams I had the most fun, with Patrick Head mostly. Patrick always said what he thinks -- as I do.
"He always tried with every conversation to be polite but by the end he could never keep it up -- that was funny!"
Montoya has less fond memories about Ron Dennis, with whom he fell out prior to his departure from the sport mid-way through the 2006 season.
"With Ron, you have a nice dinner with him one evening and then when you say hi the next day, he is a totally different person," he said.
Montoya said he understands why Fernando Alonso also could not get along with McLaren before he left the team prematurely last year.
"He saw that the future of the team was Lewis Hamilton, not Fernando Alonso."
Montoya has little to say about Kimi Raikkonen, his last F1 teammate and the current world champion.
"With Kimi it is not about whether you get along with him or not, because he never says anything. And it's difficult to know someone who doesn't talk, right?" Montoya added.
He also has little time for F1's latest generation of drivers.
"They complain about everything. Like in Monaco, they complained about reflections in the rear-view mirrors when they go through the tunnel.
"Me, I think: just get on with it and drive!"
Written: Tue, 29 Jul 2008 08:06:07
[ Print View ][ E-Mail Article ]
- November 10, 2008STR wanted Montoya
- July 29, 2008Montoya has no plans to launch F1 return
- January 28, 2008Montoya wins second Daytona
- May 23, 2007Montoya rules out F1 return
- February 20, 2007No more excuses for McLaren
- February 19, 2007F1 not unfinished business - Montoya
- January 29, 2007Montoya rules out F1 return
- October 06, 2006Montoya on front row
- September 26, 2006Montoya makes Nascar test debut
- September 23, 2006McLaren agree to release Montoya
- (July 29, 2008)View all headlines from this date
