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 troublesome one, with the seven-time world champion nonetheless trying to find his first Grand Prix podium after the opening eight rounds. Whereas he claimed two Dash race podiums—profitable in Shanghai and ending third in Miami—his performances in the primary races have failed to fulfill expectations, and he has but to determine himself as a constant front-runner.
At 40 years outdated, the seven-time Components 1 world champion is discovering it difficult to adapt each to the SF-25’s dealing with traits and the brand new surroundings at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 carried out little to enhance Hamilton’s state of affairs. He continues to battle with the automobile’s instability—significantly 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 troublesome 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 crew 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. Through the race, Adami failed to supply Hamilton with essential info and, at one level, fully ignored his driver’s queries. These lapses have sparked inner frustration and caught the eye of former F1 drivers and analysts alike.
Montoya Requires Hamilton to Overhaul His Ferrari Assist Workers
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 in opposition to knee-jerk selections or dismissals inside the crew, former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya supplied a contrasting view.
Chatting with AS Colombia, the previous Components 1 driver urged Lewis Hamilton to contemplate making substantial modifications behind the scenes. The Colombian steered that Hamilton wants to indicate better 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 inner stress.
He indicated that Hamilton’s present points may stem from a scarcity of urgency or accountability inside his engineering crew. In line with Montoya, a extra proactive strategy might ship a transparent message to these working intently with the driving force—both meet the required requirements or face reassignment. He expressed concern about Adami’s obvious unwillingness to reply on the radio in the course of the Monaco GP, describing the behaviour as unprofessional and probably damaging to crew morale.
Montoya additional steered that if he have been in cost on the Italian aspect, he would have taken rapid disciplinary motion in opposition to 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 crew
The explanations behind Hamilton’s underwhelming type in 2025 proceed to be debated throughout the Components 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 greatest. 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 troublesome 2024 Components 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 major issue, as an alternative 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 not overcome a basically flawed setup if it doesn’t swimsuit his driving model.
However, Lewis Hamilton’s former Mercedes teammate, Nico Rosberg, has taken a special stance. The 2016 world champion has steered that age may certainly be enjoying a task within the Briton’s present type, calling it the “final” impediment. Nico Rosberg speculated that as Charles Leclerc continues to outperform Lewis Hamilton inside the similar equipment, questions in regards to the 40-year-old’s sharpness and flexibility have gotten more and more legitimate.
As Ferrari try to get better from a troublesome begin to the season, each the British driver and the crew face mounting strain to make daring selections. Whether or not that entails 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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