Just a few reactions from PlanetF1:
Montoya Will Be Missed
I have been watching F1 since 1980 and I know that Juan Pablo is an outstanding talent. With careful guidance and a proper car he could have become a Senna or a Prost. On pure skill, I rate him equal to the Schumster, the Raikkster and the Alonster. In overtaking he is peerless.
The Monster is a born leader and is very uncomfortable playing second fiddle to anybody. Ever since 2000, F1 has been dominated by either RED or BLUE making it a monotonous and boring - 2002 and 2004 being the worst. It's better to leave when you're at your best than be hangers on like Coulthard.
I can never forgive that moron Coulthard for calling Juan names. The mediocrity that Coulthard is, now can sleep in peace knowing that his f1 seat is safe - or is it?
I congratulate the Monster's decision and I wish him well in NASCAR. We in the USA love him and NASCAR.
Alan Francis (USA)
...This is really a shocking development! One of the most naturally gifted racers on the F1 grid today is calling it quits in the pinnacle of motor sport. So next season we have to endure all those boring drivers who never do anything spectacular on the track, always waiting for the guy in front to make a mistake or just hoping to pass during pitstops.
As good as Kimi and Alonso is, last season they each made one daring overtaking move, and both of them did it in Japan. JPM does this every time he has an opportunity. Sure, he may end up in someone else's car or on the wall, but that's what makes it so great! The risk he takes to make those great moves. While it doesn't always pay-off, its something to be remembered when it does.
JPM will be missed and F1 will even be more boring without someone like him. I hope he can still reconsider.
Choy Moje
...It is a bit sad and disappointing to see Montoya leave F1.
Even if the guy was involved in all sort of troubles, but at least he brought some excitement to a robotic sport. He made some great overtaking moves and seeing him qualify on cold tyres and light fuel load was fantastic. I will miss his feisty character and don't give a dam approach.
I guess he got tired of the regular Sunday parade and being blamed for McLaren's shortcomings with its under-performing machines. I hope Kimi leaves soon or he will end up like Coulthard....waiting years for a championship that never came.
Good luck Montoya!
Alvaro Gonzalez
F1's Losing A Star
Even though I knew he was not going to stay at McLaren for next year, I never saw this one coming!.
I am not a JPM fan at all, in fact I think he is not even near as good as you, the media, had trying to have us believe since he first joined F1 back in 2001. Having said that, I still believe F1 needs some one like him, exiting to watch and not afraid to try a pass on anyone.
It is a shame that we are losing someone of his caliber to Nascar, of all series! C'Mon. Other than the top 3 drivers in F1 (Schumi, Kimi and Alonso, in that order) I don't think there is many more better than JPM. I am sadden by this lost.
Today is a dark day for F1. We have lost one of our stars. Shame on Ron Dennis!
Otto Acosta
A Sad Day For F1
I don't really have anything insightful to say about this...I just have to express my extreme shock. Done.
It's a sad day.
Geoff Nordling
Good On You, Juan
JPM is the F-ing man! While I don't really like NASCAR, F1 doesn't appreciate him enough.
No one these days makes F1 nearly as exciting as JP, and every time he just gets criticized. NASCAR may be a whole bunch of left turns on a circle, but at least they still live by the motto, "Rubbin' is racin," where as in F1, rubbin' is one more thing the FIA has to make a bad decision about.
Great move, Juan! NASCAR has just gained one more new fan!
Jason Astroth
Well Done Juan
While I'm sure there will be many F1 fans that consider Montoya's departure to NASCAR a step down, from a driver's perspective, NASCAR mandates the most level playing field possible, and at the end of the year, you KNOW who the best drivers are.
With F1, the car, tyres, and team orders muddy the water. While F1 is without a doubt the pinnacle of MOTOR SPORTS, NASCAR allows for the most pure driver competition.
I applaud JPM for a gutsy move to an extremely competitive series.
Tom Boerger
and moving over to NASCAR under Chip Ganassi.
