Max Verstappen’s ‘very good’ trait no longer makes ‘much of a difference’, says Juan Pablo Montoya

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Max Verstappen is one of the most rounded drivers on the Formula 1 grid, but Juan Pablo Montoya has pinpointed one ‘very good’ trait of the four-time world champion that he doesn’t think he makes ‘much of a difference’ with anymore.

The Dutchman is regarded as a driver who is in a league of his own on the current F1 grid, with some F1 legends believing that he could be ‘the best ever‘.

He has produced a multitude of stunning drives throughout the entirety of his career in F1, across a wide range of circuits and the unpredictable weather conditions that come with them.

A fifth consecutive title is on the cards, and fans have been dying to see showers being forecasted for the Brazilian Grand Prix, in hopes of the Red Bull star replicating his impressive drive from last season.

READ MORE: Max Verstappen saw only one driver taking the ‘right’ lines when he had to race in the midfield

Juan Pablo Montoya thinks Max Verstappen doesn’t make much of a difference during wet conditions anymore in F1

Speaking on an episode of the MontoyAS podcast, the former F1 driver touched upon Verstappen’s chances of replicating his incredible drive at the Brazilian Grand Prix in wet-weather conditions last year.

Montoya is pessimistic in his prediction, telling his co-host, “Max is very good in the rain, and he used to make a big difference before.

“Nowadays, he’s still very good, but he doesn’t make as much of a difference anymore.”

The verdict is of stark contrast to the rest of the F1 grid’s opinion on Verstappen’s skill in tough conditions.

Following the conclusion of the previous round of racing in Mexico, it became clear that McLaren team principal Andrea Stella was aware of what Verstappen could do if the heavens opened in Interlagos.

With rain forecast for the Brazilian Grand Prix this weekend, Montoya’s prediction could either come to fruition or be completely debunked by the in-form Dutchman.

READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton sends three-word message to Max Verstappen after winning the 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix

The 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix is considered one of Max Verstappen’s best-ever performances in F1

Last year’s edition of the Brazilian Grand Prix marked a turning point for Verstappen’s bid to secure a fourth successive F1 title.

The declining performance of the RB20 saw Verstappen’s early lead in the championship hang by a thread as Lando Norris set his sights on spoiling the Dutchman’s celebrations.

However, after a ten-race gap without featuring on the top step of the podium, Verstappen delivered a setback to Norris as he brilliantly navigated his way from 17th on the grid in difficult conditions to become the eventual winner once the chequered flag fell.

The result gave the 28-year-old the confidence he needed to go on and secure the title at the following round in Las Vegas, with F1 pundit Karun Chandhok comparing Verstappen’s win to a drive of Ayrton Senna’s in 1983.

Despite the superlatives that were donned on the Red Bull star, Verstappen doesn’t consider the win as his favourite in F1. That moniker instead goes to his maiden victory in the sport, at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix.