Intl Driver: Juan Montoya

Juan Pablo Montoya may have missed out on the Formula 1 title this year, but his efforts didn't go unnoticed by AUTOSPORT readers, who voted him the International Driver of the Year

Dec 8, 2003, 12:39 AM

The Williams star's efforts invigorated the championship this year, and his season-long tussle for the title with Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen helped bring some much-needed excitement back to F1. Montoya scored two superb victories along the way. In Monaco, he withstood race-long pressure from Raikkonen and Schumacher, while in Germany he simply blitzed the field.

Stirling Moss was on hand to present the trophy to Montoya. "I'm just trying to make it a lot more fun," said the Colombian. "I think people like that."

Speaking about his title challenge Montoya said: "Williams did a bloody good job all year. We just started scoring points too late."

Next year will be Montoya's last with Williams before he switches to McLaren. "I think Williams know what it did wrong this year, and they know how to be strong from race one," said Montoya. "2004 will be my last year with Williams, so I'll definitely try to win the title with the team next year - that'd be nice."