Lewis Hamilton’s decision to stay in Formula 1 and with Ferrari means Charles Leclerc will face steadily increasing pressure within the team. This outlook comes from seven-time Grand Prix winner Juan Pablo Montoya, who notes Hamilton’s dedication to overcoming Leclerc’s lead in the 2025 season, signaling a more intense intra-team rivalry.
Although Hamilton has yet to secure a podium finish this season and trails Leclerc by 42 points, his commitment suggests Ferrari’s internal dynamics will become more challenging for his teammate.
Ferrari struggles and Hamilton’s frustration in 2025
The 2025 season has not unfolded as Hamilton anticipated during his time at Ferrari. His performance took a notable hit at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he failed to advance beyond Q2 in qualifying at the Hungaroring—a track where he has been victorious eight times. In contrast, Leclerc earned his and Ferrari’s first pole position of the season at the same event.
Expressing his disappointment afterward, Hamilton described himself as “useless” and controversially hinted Ferrari might consider a “change driver” decision amid his frustration during the Sky F1 debrief. When questioned about these remarks the following day, he stated,
“There’s a lot going on in the background that’s not great.”
—Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari driver
Such comments, combined with a cryptic social media post teasing an August 8 announcement, sparked speculation about Hamilton’s future in racing. However, it was later clarified that the announcement was linked to the launch of a new non-alcoholic spirit brand, Almave, which Hamilton co-founded, confirming his continuation in F1.
Montoya’s insight into Hamilton’s ongoing battle with Leclerc
Montoya believes that Hamilton’s current phase centers on surpassing his teammate and notes the immense effort Hamilton is investing to achieve this goal. Despite the car’s handling challenges, Hamilton remains a pivotal figure at Ferrari, influencing the team’s direction.
Montoya explained,
“What’s really happening is that Lewis is at a point where he wants to beat his team-mate. He’s putting in huge effort,”
and added that the car remains difficult to manage, with engineers gradually understanding its intricacies.
He further remarked on Leclerc’s adaptability, stating,
“Charles looks very quick because he can handle the car’s behaviour. I think that as Ferrari adjusts the car more to Lewis’s style and he gets comfortable, life will get harder for Charles. So far, it hasn’t been too tough for him, but we’ll see.”
—Juan Pablo Montoya, Seven-time Grand Prix winner
Team dynamics and development focus in the lead-up to F1 2026
Between the Silverstone and Spa races, Hamilton engaged in detailed discussions with Ferrari’s leadership, providing documentation on needed structural changes and laying out requests for the upcoming 2026 car. This active involvement emphasizes his intent to influence Ferrari’s future competitiveness and development strategy.
Although Montoya’s view implies a leaning toward Hamilton, Leclerc dismisses any notion that he is being sidelined within Ferrari’s development plans. He assured the media, including PlanetF1.com,
“Don’t worry, I’m of course involved,”
and explained that he participates in meetings while in Maranello to stay informed on team objectives.
Leclerc described his feedback approach as differing from Hamilton’s but equally valuable, affirming,
“I have my way, which is a different way compared to Lewis, but that doesn’t mean I’m left out and I’m definitely involved in the process.”
—Charles Leclerc, Ferrari driver
Preparing for revolutionary changes in Formula 1’s 2026 season
Looking ahead, F1 2026 promises significant technical transformations. The new regulations will introduce smaller and lighter cars powered by hybrid engines that balance electrical power with an internal combustion engine running on sustainable biofuels. Active aerodynamics will replace the Drag Reduction System (DRS), and Pirelli tires will feature noticeably narrower fronts and rears, changing car dynamics substantially.
These modifications require both drivers and engineers to adapt quickly, intensifying the competition within teams like Ferrari. Hamilton’s push for tailored car adjustments and his persistent challenge to Leclerc set a tense tone for the upcoming seasons.
What this rivalry means for Ferrari’s future
Hamilton’s fierce determination to overcome Leclerc within Ferrari, combined with the significant technical shifts on the horizon, means that internal competition will likely intensify. Leclerc’s current advantage may diminish as Hamilton grows more comfortable with the car, and Ferrari evolves its development priorities. This struggle to assert dominance is poised to shape the team’s performance and strategic decisions during the 2025 season and beyond.
As Ferrari navigates this delicate balance between two top drivers, their ability to manage these rivalries will be critical for securing championship success in an increasingly competitive Formula 1 landscape.
