Critics of the direction Formula 1 is taking to internationalize its sport to the detriment of certain historic circuits must accept that the sport has “surpassed Europe”.
That’s the view of former Grand Prix winner Juan Pablo Montoya, responding to those who have criticised the way Liberty Media has run F1 for several years.
Many active racing drivers have also criticised the way Liberty Media has “Americanized” Formula 1, in terms of spectacle but notably by interfering in new non-European markets to the detriment of traditional races.
“I hear the criticism and of course it’s a sport. But what many Europeans forget is that we have sponsors. And fans. Sport has to put on the best show possible that makes everyone happy.”
“Pilots tend to complain a lot anyway, especially before something happens. ‘This is bad, this isn’t nice, why do we have to do this?’.”
“I find it embarrassing,” continues the Colombian. “Because once it happens and they realize there’s nothing wrong with it, you don’t hear from them anymore. Pilots just like to complain. It’s apparently second nature to them .”
Criticism of the Liberty Media era, however, was also widespread in mainstream media and among the public.
"I have something to say about that too," smiled Montoya. “Europeans must understand that Formula 1 has become a global sport. It has gone beyond Europe.”
“It used to be a European sport with a few other races, but times have changed. The requirements are different today.”
“If our contemporaries had to choose between Spa or Miami, most would choose Spa because of the history and nostalgia. But what Miami does to sport is much better in a broader perspective.”
“The racing is better, the overtaking is better, the spectacle is better.”
“Don’t get me wrong, Spa is a beautiful place and a fantastic circuit. But you also have to put yourself in the fans’ shoes.”
“You can’t see much because there are so many trees. Spa is a great race to watch on TV at home, but not to follow live on site.”
“Again, I love Spa and I’m not saying it’s a race that should be taken off the calendar, but these days it’s about experience. And I think the people at Liberty Media understand it very well.”
