Lewis Hamilton’s qualifying performance struggle has intensified as his usual dominance in one-lap speed diminishes, according to former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya. Montoya attributes this downturn to Hamilton easing off during qualifying after Mercedes began to lose competitiveness in recent seasons.
When Hamilton entered Formula 1, he quickly gained recognition for his exceptional speed, regularly extracting the maximum from his car in qualifying sessions. This remarkable ability allowed him to secure over 100 pole positions throughout his career, setting records and establishing his reputation as one of the best qualifiers in the sport. However, since the introduction of the ground effect era, there has been a noticeable decline in his qualifying results.
In 2023 and 2024, Hamilton was frequently outqualified by his Mercedes teammate George Russell, signaling a shift in the team’s dynamic. The 2025 season has been even more challenging, as Charles Leclerc of Ferrari has consistently outperformed Hamilton in qualifying sessions. Montoya suggests that a key reason for Hamilton’s downturn is that he stopped pushing himself in qualifying as soon as Mercedes lost its edge. He believes the loss of that fierce competitive spirit is difficult to regain and is central to Hamilton’s current struggles.
“I think he’ll wait next year for sure to see where they are. And if they struggle next year and he’s not competitive, I think he might just go, ‘You know what? That’s it. I’ve got other things in my life.’ At the end of the day, he’s got a long contract with them to be an ambassador whether he drives a car or not. But you don’t want to see Lewis leave on a low.”
—Juan Pablo Montoya, former F1 driver
“It’s a wakeup call. In the last couple of years when the Mercedes stopped being really good, I think he backed off in qualifying because there was no need. And I think to get it back is really difficult.”
—Juan Pablo Montoya, former F1 driver
Impact of Car Setup Differences on Hamilton’s Performance
Montoya also points out that the current Mercedes car does not align with Hamilton’s driving style, further complicating his qualifying efforts. Comparing Hamilton’s approach with that of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, Montoya highlights the stark contrast in comfort and control between the two drivers. While Leclerc appears precise and confident, Hamilton is visibly struggling to find trust in his vehicle during high-pressure qualifying rounds.
“Look at an onboard of Lewis in qualifying. That car does not suit him at all. You look at Charles, and Charles looks like Max, looks like Lando. He is precise. And Lewis is fighting with the car. He doesn’t trust the car. He’s trying, but it is just the way the car is set up for him does not match his driving style.”
—Juan Pablo Montoya, former F1 driver
The mismatch between Hamilton’s driving preference and the car’s setup is a significant hurdle, one that contrasts with the comfort Leclerc enjoys in his Ferrari. This gap emphasizes the larger challenges Hamilton faces not just in terms of speed but in controlling and trusting his machine, which is essential for excelling in qualifying.
The Road Ahead for Hamilton and Mercedes
As Hamilton grapples with these qualifying difficulties, the stakes are high given his prominent role at Mercedes and the substantial expectations surrounding his performance. Montoya suggests that next season will be critical for Hamilton to either regain his competitive edge or consider shifting his focus away from racing.
Hamilton’s long-term contract with Mercedes includes an ambassadorial role, which might extend his presence in Formula 1 even if his on-track results do not rebound. However, Montoya expresses hope that Hamilton will not exit the sport under disappointing circumstances, underscoring the significance of a potential resurgence.
Ultimately, Hamilton’s qualifying performance struggle highlights broader themes within Mercedes’ current challenges and the evolving competition from rivals like Ferrari. How Hamilton and the team address these setbacks in the near future will shape both his legacy and their standing in Formula 1.
