Former driver Juan Pablo Montoya has issued a stern warning that Ferrari’s focus on adapting their car development to benefit Lewis Hamilton could negatively impact the performance of Charles Leclerc. This intriguing development comes in the midst of the 2025 F1 season, where the dynamic between Hamilton, the most successful driver in the sport, and Ferrari, a venerated team, is capturing the spotlight.
The partnership between Hamilton and Ferrari had a promising start, marked by Hamilton’s impressive pole position and sprint victory in just his second weekend with the team. Yet, when excluding his performance in the sprint event in China, results have been less favorable. Charles Leclerc, known for his incredible prowess on the track, has consistently outperformed his seasoned teammate in nearly every race weekend. The competitive gap between Leclerc and Hamilton has only widened as the season progresses.
A significant turning point occurred during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where Hamilton’s performance in qualifying was notably lacking, lagging behind by half a second. The subsequent race only intensified Ferrari’s concerns, as Leclerc showcased his dominance while Hamilton finished over 30 seconds behind, prompting an apology to the team for his underperformance.
In a candid acknowledgment, Hamilton expressed doubt in seeing any substantial improvement this season, conceding that difficulties might persist. As a response, Ferrari announced intentions to tailor the car to Hamilton’s driving style, a strategic maneuver Montoya suggests could inadvertently compromise Leclerc’s stellar track record. During an interview with Plejmo, Montoya emphasized the potential adverse effects on Leclerc, whose recent form has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Despite the challenges, Montoya highlighted the potential learning opportunities for Charles Leclerc by sharing a team with a seven-time champion like Hamilton. As the first five races unfold, the outcome has predominantly favored Leclerc. Montoya remarked to Plejmo on the nuanced benefits, acknowledging the adaptation process Hamilton faces with his new team.
With Leclerc’s dominance posing increasing pressure, it remains to be seen whether Hamilton can reclaim his legendary status. As the season unfolds, will Ferrari’s strategy stabilize Hamilton’s performance without jeopardizing their rising star, Charles Leclerc?
