Juan Pablo Montoya proposes third car – but at tracks where teams expect to score big points

With his son Sebastian on the list of drivers dreaming of racing in F1, Juan Pablo Montoya has re-ignited the debate for teams to run a third car to give juniors an opportunity to prove themselves.

At present Formula 1 has just 10 teams on the grid, although there is space for more as per the current regulations.

That means, at the moment, just 20 drivers can compete with many a youngster left disappointed each season.

Last season it was Formula 2 champion Oscar Piastri, the Aussie having to take a reserve driver role as there were no available seats, while this season his successor Felipe Drugovich is having to walk the same path.

They can, to some degree, consider themselves lucky as their Formula 1 dream remained alive while others such as former Ferrari junior Callum Ilott and Alpine’s Christian Lundgaard had to let it go, both instead heading to America’s IndyCar series.

Montoya believes third cars could be the solution.

Laying out his thinking, the former F1 driver told Motorsport.com: “You could have the teams enter a third car in half the races, or you’re going to do it in a way where you have 22 cars at the start every week.

“Then you have to do some calculations, but you could then force the teams to have a young driver drive a third car in two, three or four races.

“A team will then have to designate a driver prior to the season to use during those races. In this way you give young talents the opportunity to learn, gain experience and develop.”

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Quashes concerns over increased costs

Montoya’s idea comes at a time when Formula 1 is trying to cut costs, this season marking their third year operating under a budget cap.

He, however, doesn’t believe racing a third car on occasions would be a significant increase in the teams’ financial outlays.

“The teams already have everything they need. And the extra costs involved in running an extra car in a number of races will be manageable,” he said.

“You could also start after the first five races, as everyone is still busy producing enough parts at the start of the season.

“You could start with it in Barcelona, for example.”

Teams could choose the track where they expect to score the points

Continuing with his idea, the Colombian says the teams could choose the circuit where they’d prefer to run the third car thus scoring more points.

“If you have a good car for a certain track, you can choose to drive there with a third car,” he said. “This way you could take a few points off the competition.

“Suppose Ferrari has a fast car for Monza. Then they can decide to use their third car there.”

But, at the end of the day, it’s not a solution that’s likely to entice the teams.

Montoya concluded: “Either they will work with this idea, or they should give more free practice sessions to young drivers.

“Then make it mandatory that teams give a practice session to a rookie at least eight times per season instead of twice, as is currently the case.”