Former F1 star Juan Pablo Montoya believes that Ferrari should prepare their 2026 car to suit the needs of Lewis Hamilton, despite the seven-time world champion’s sluggish start to his first season with the Scuderia. Aside from a barnstorming win from pole in the Chinese Grand Prix sprint race, Hamilton’s Ferrari career has been noticeably short on standout moments.
The legendary Brit’s qualifying woes have transferred over from the end of his Mercedes stint, and in Barcelona, he was overtaken by Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg following a late safety car restart. Team-mate Charles Leclerc, meanwhile, finished on the podium for the second race in succession after putting third-placed Max Verstappen in a difficult spot at the restart. He has scored all three of Ferrari’s top-three finishes in 2025.
Despite this, Montoya believes that Ferrari should concentrate their efforts on satisfying Hamilton in 2026. I personally think the basis of the car now should be completely focused on Hamilton’s wishes, rather than Leclerc’s,” the seven-time Grand Prix winner told W Radio Colombia.
“In any case, that is the wisest thing to do if they want a competitive car next year. Cars based on Leclerc’s preferences may be able to win a race or two in a year, but a world title will not be in it. Under Hamilton’s leadership, Ferrari will quickly find more pace, because he always knows exactly what a car needs.”
This would be a difficult decision for Fred Vasseur to make. The Frenchman worked with Leclerc at Sauber before reuniting with the Monegasque racer at Ferrari, and the 27-year-old has long been considered the golden boy of the Scuderia’s F1 operation. Sidelining his needs and desires could jeopardise his future within the team.
For now, however, Leclerc is fully committed to the Ferrari project. Asked if he had considered leaving, the Monaco native replied: “Of course not, there is absolutely no chance. I believe in the project, and I believe in Fred.
“Clearly, it’s a complicated moment and in times like this, it’s easy to have doubts. But I’m not thinking about leaving Ferrari, I want to win with Ferrari. And I will stay as long as I believe in this project. And I believe in it.”
While a World Championship in 2025 is now out of the question without a remarkable turnaround, Leclerc and Hamilton will be pulling in the same direction to help Ferrari beat Mercedes and Red Bull to second place in the Constructors’ Championship standings.
About the Author
