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F1 Nation

F1 Explains: how drivers reach F1 – with Juan Pablo Montoya

F1 Nation

Formula 1

News, Leisure, Sports News, Sports, Automotive

4.31.2K Ratings

🗓️ 21 May 2026

⏱️ 28 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Why do some drivers move across the world to pursue their racing dreams? How important is it to compete in different series on the motorsport ladder? And what mentality do you need to make it to Formula 1? 

Seven-time Grand Prix winner Juan Pablo Montoya joins Christian Hewgill to talk about the route to F1 – a journey he completed successfully and one he’s reliving again through his son Sebastian, who’s currently competing in F2.

Juan talks about leaving Colombia at a young age, how Sir Jackie Stewart helped him in his early racing days, and what Sebastian needs to make that final step up to F1. Plus, Juan Pablo shares his advice for young kids hoping to reach the pinnacle of motorsport.

Picture: Clive Mason/ALLSPORT/Getty Images

Transcript

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0:00.0

Join the thousands of heat pump owners feeling warm and fuzzy.

0:03.0

I've lived here 20 years, I ain't moving, so I thought better future prove me own.

0:07.0

We started a trend. The Alstraits applying for the government grant now.

0:11.0

With the energy you're saved, I don't know what's better off, the planet or my wallet.

0:15.0

And their easy little bookworm says it's three times more efficient than our old boiler.

0:19.0

Feel all warm and fuzzy inside with a seven and a half thousand pound government grant

0:24.1

towards your heat pump at gov.uk.uk slash clean energy.

0:27.6

Eligibility criteria applies the website for details.

0:32.7

To race in Formula One, you have to be fast, but it takes more than that.

0:39.1

You also have to be in the right place, the right team, the right racing category, and all at the right time. Most of all,

0:46.4

you have to get noticed. F1 explains listeners Jack, Dagan, Jill and Rachel from Texas have asked us how drivers make it to F1.

0:57.9

Let's get the answers.

0:59.1

From F1 legend, Juan Pablo Montoya.

1:01.9

Juan Pablo Montoya from Colombia is going to win his 15th Grand Prix.

1:07.8

Down goes the accelerator.

1:09.4

He can almost see the check and flag. Now, there it is. Montoya

1:13.5

wins in Italy. Generally speaking, the drivers on the current F1 grid started by winning in carts and then

1:20.1

graduated into cars. They made their names by racing in Europe, driving single-seater,

1:26.6

open-wheel cars in junior categories. But for those born in Europe, driving single-seater, open-wheel cars in junior categories.

1:29.4

But for those born outside Europe, it means moving across the world to chase their dreams.

1:36.0

Oscar Piastri left Australia.

1:38.5

Oscar Piastri wins for the first time in Formula One.

...

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