Lewis Hamilton may consider retiring from Formula 1 if his difficulties with Ferrari continue into the 2026 season, according to Juan Pablo Montoya. The ongoing challenges at Ferrari have prevented Hamilton from matching his teammate Charles Leclerc’s pace, fueling concerns about the British driver’s future in the sport.
Hamilton’s Rough Start at Ferrari Undermines Expectations
Since joining Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton has struggled to consistently threaten Charles Leclerc, who has already secured three podium finishes this year. Hamilton, meanwhile, has not achieved a top-three finish on a Sunday race and sits behind Leclerc in the points standings, trailing 79 to 104 after ten rounds. Although Hamilton claimed an impressive victory in the Chinese Grand Prix sprint in March, his overall results highlight ongoing difficulties adapting to the SF-25 car.
Montoya, a former Formula 1 driver, notes that Hamilton is working closely with Ferrari’s engineers to improve performance. However, the SF-25 differs significantly from the Mercedes vehicles Hamilton drove for more than a decade. With Formula 1 set to introduce major changes in chassis and engine regulations in 2026, Montoya believes the next season will be critical in determining whether Hamilton stays in the sport or opts to step away.
I think Hamilton is more hungry right now than he’s ever been to prove everybody wrong,
Montoya explained.
But if 2026 goes bad, he might start going, ‘I can’t be bothered.’
—Juan Pablo Montoya, Former F1 Driver
Montoya also pointed out the tension between Hamilton and Ferrari’s engineering team, emphasizing the need for a hard but constructive dynamic. He stressed that Hamilton’s insistence on improvement should not be mistaken for disrespect but rather as a driver demanding the best possible car.
He’s pushing them right now. Whether they are happy with him pushing them, I am not sure! I do think he needs to grill them and for them to be uncomfortable, the engineers, whether they like it or not.
The engineers need to understand that Lewis is not trying to be a d**k to them, but trying to make the car better. I think that’s really hard. And you need to learn as an engineer and as a driver not to take shit personally.
At the end of the day, they’re both after the same thing. Lewis is not questioning whether the engineer is really smart or not, but he’s questioning whether they’re making enough decisions and the right decisions.
They need to leave their ego at home and go to work. Ferrari need someone to manage that relationship better.
—Juan Pablo Montoya, Former F1 Driver
Driving Challenges Highlight Ferrari’s Need for a More Usable Car
Montoya regards Hamilton’s performance at the Canadian Grand Prix as a testament to his skill, highlighting that Hamilton finished sixth just behind Leclerc despite damaging his car early in the race after hitting a groundhog. This incident reportedly cost Hamilton valuable time, yet he remained competitive throughout.
For the first time since China, Lewis was looking pretty competitive,
Montoya said.
He looked good.
Montoya suggested Ferrari may have introduced a new floor or aerodynamic update that contributed to Hamilton’s relative success. Although the damage Hamilton suffered likely slowed him by a few tenths per lap, he remained close to Leclerc, showing potential for better results if the car’s drivability improves.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur noted that almost every aspect of the car had been altered except one key element, implying the car’s set-up is under continuous development specifically to benefit Hamilton. Montoya added that focusing more on Hamilton in car development would benefit the entire team.
He underlined that the SF-25 remains a difficult car to drive, saying that while Leclerc has been in the team since 2019 and handles it best, even the Monegasque driver struggles when things aren’t perfect.
So, if Ferrari says we need the car to be more drivable, it is going to help Charles as well as Lewis.
—Juan Pablo Montoya, Former F1 Driver
Facing a Crucial Crossroads Ahead of Regulation Changes
The 2026 season represents a make-or-break moment for Hamilton at Ferrari, with drastic regulation changes reshaping chassis and power units. If Hamilton’s frustrations continue and the team cannot provide a more competitive and manageable car, he may decide to end his lengthy and storied F1 career.
This potential retirement would have significant implications for the sport, removing one of its most successful and popular drivers at a time when F1 is undergoing major transformations aimed at improving competition and fan engagement.
Hamilton’s future clearly depends on how effectively Ferrari can adapt to the new rules and address the challenges that have hampered both driver and team so far this season. Montoya’s insight underscores the tightrope Hamilton must walk between perseverance and the possibility of stepping away if conditions fail to improve.
