Former Formula One driver Juan Pablo Montoya has squashed rumours suggesting that unreliability is linked to conspiracy.
Suggestions came after the Malaysian Grand Prix that Mercedes mechanics had deliberately tampered with Hamilton's engine, after it blew mid-race, a result which many believe cost him the world championship.
Seven time race winner Montoya competed in F1 from 2001-2006, and had his share of unreliability.
“I had a lot of problems [in '05], but that’s racing,” said the Colombian. “Nowadays when somebody breaks down, it’s ‘Oh my God, it’s a conspiracy!’ What people don’t understand is how much goes into one of these cars now.
“With simulations they can do a better job and it’s going to break less, but there’s still a chance. Everything is pushed so far.”
“I’m a big believer in as long as we win together and lose together, it’s all good. Lose together, and you win, it doesn’t work. it’s got to go both ways, some days it’s going to be me, some days it’s going to be the car, and it’s got to be treated the same way.”
Reflecting on his career, Montoya says that he is happy with how it went, and has no regrets despite not winning a championship.
“Looking back on my F1 career I can say that I ran for McLaren and Williams, [using] Mercedes and BMW [engines], won races for them. In my mind I wasn’t going to have an opportunity to win a World Championship.
“I’d won all the races I wanted to win.I have no regrets that I’m aware of.”
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