Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Struggles Proceed as Montoya Urges Engineer Shakeup Amid Brundle Opposition
Lewis Hamilton’s debut season with Ferrari in 2025 is proving to be a tough one, with the seven-time world champion nonetheless looking for his first Grand Prix podium after the opening eight rounds. Whereas he claimed two Dash race podiums—successful in Shanghai and ending third in Miami—his performances in the primary races have failed to satisfy expectations, and he has but to ascertain himself as a constant front-runner.
At 40 years outdated, the seven-time Method 1 world champion is discovering it difficult to adapt each to the SF-25’s dealing with traits and the brand new atmosphere at Maranello. The Spanish Grand Prix was anticipated to supply Ferrari a contemporary alternative, particularly with the FIA’s new flexi-wing directive probably shaking up the aggressive order. Nonetheless, the regulation change has performed little to enhance Hamilton’s scenario. He continues to wrestle with the automobile’s instability—notably on the rear—whereas Charles Leclerc has persistently proven stronger tempo and outcomes, putting him considerably forward of his new teammate.
In Barcelona, Hamilton was reportedly tough to interview, and each he and Leclerc averted giving concrete responses relating to Ferrari’s lack of competitiveness. Ongoing points with pit wall technique and miscommunication over staff radio have additional compounded the Scuderia’s struggles all through the 2025 season.
One main level of concern has been Hamilton’s radio communication along with his race engineer, Riccardo Adami. Regardless of efforts to strengthen their working relationship, the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix highlighted persistent issues. Throughout the race, Adami failed to supply Hamilton with essential data and, at one level, fully ignored his driver’s queries. These lapses have sparked inside frustration and caught the eye of former F1 drivers and analysts alike.
Montoya Requires Hamilton to Overhaul His Ferrari Assist Employees
As Ferrari entered the Barcelona Grand Prix on the Circuit de Catalunya trailing McLaren by 177 factors within the Constructors’ Championship and with the Briton languishing sixth within the Drivers’ standings, the strain on the Maranello squad has intensified. Whereas Sky Sports activities pundit Martin Brundle warned towards knee-jerk choices or dismissals inside the staff, former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya provided a contrasting view.
Chatting with AS Colombia, the previous Method 1 driver urged Lewis Hamilton to contemplate making substantial modifications behind the scenes. The Colombian advised that Hamilton wants to indicate higher assertiveness, particularly when coping with his engineering crew. Montoya argued that if communication and efficiency ranges stay subpar, the British driver should not hesitate to request a change in personnel, even when it dangers inside rigidity.
He indicated that Hamilton’s present points would possibly stem from a scarcity of urgency or accountability inside his engineering staff. In accordance with Montoya, a extra proactive strategy may ship a transparent message to these working intently with the motive force—both meet the required requirements or face reassignment. He expressed concern about Adami’s obvious unwillingness to reply on the radio throughout the Monaco GP, describing the behaviour as unprofessional and probably damaging to staff morale.
Montoya additional advised that if he have been in cost on the Italian aspect, he would have taken fast disciplinary motion towards the engineer for his conduct, emphasizing that such lapses are unacceptable in a top-tier racing organisation.
Analyzing the Root Causes of Lewis Hamilton’s Struggles on the Maranello staff
The explanations behind Hamilton’s underwhelming kind in 2025 proceed to be debated throughout the Method 1 group. Some of the generally cited points is the SF-25’s unpredictable dealing with traits. The automobile seems to lack front-end confidence, a trait that Hamilton has persistently required to carry out at his finest. Regardless of the anticipated affect of the FIA’s flexi-wing directive launched in Barcelona, there was little measurable enchancment for the British driver.
Along with technical issues, some observers have questioned whether or not Lewis Hamilton’s age is starting to have an effect on his efficiency. Coming off a tough 2024 Method 1 season—his worst statistically in F1—doubts have began to develop over whether or not he can nonetheless compete with the youthful technology of drivers on the entrance of the grid.
Nonetheless, opinions stay divided. Ralf Schumacher dismissed the notion that age is a main issue, as a substitute suggesting that Hamilton’s frustrations are a results of being uncomfortable with the automobile slightly than a bodily or psychological decline. Schumacher believes that even a driver of Hamilton’s calibre can’t overcome a basically flawed setup if it doesn’t swimsuit his driving fashion.
Alternatively, Lewis Hamilton’s former Mercedes teammate, Nico Rosberg, has taken a unique stance. The 2016 world champion has advised that age would possibly certainly be enjoying a job within the Briton’s present kind, calling it the “final” impediment. Nico Rosberg speculated that as Charles Leclerc continues to outperform Lewis Hamilton inside the identical equipment, questions in regards to the 40-year-old’s sharpness and adaptableness have gotten more and more legitimate.
As Ferrari try and recuperate from a tough begin to the season, each the British driver and the staff face mounting strain to make daring choices. Whether or not that includes technical updates, staffing modifications, or a strategic rethink, it’s clear that point is operating out to show issues round in 2025.
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