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 trying to find 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 principle 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At 40 years outdated, the seven-time Components 1 world champion is discovering it difficult to adapt each to the SF-25’s dealing with traits and the brand new surroundings at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. Nevertheless, the regulation change has carried out little to enhance Hamilton’s state of affairs. He continues to battle 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 concerning Ferrari’s lack of competitiveness. Ongoing points with pit wall technique and miscommunication over group radio have additional compounded the Scuderia’s struggles all through the 2025 season.
One main level of concern has been Hamilton’s radio communication together 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 offer Hamilton with essential info and, at one level, utterly 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 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 choices or dismissals throughout the group, former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya provided a contrasting view.
Chatting with AS Colombia, the previous Components 1 driver urged Lewis Hamilton to think about making substantial adjustments behind the scenes. The Colombian instructed 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 may stem from an absence of urgency or accountability inside his engineering group. In response to Montoya, a extra proactive method may ship a transparent message to these working carefully 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 through the Monaco GP, describing the behaviour as unprofessional and probably damaging to group morale.
Montoya additional instructed that if he had been in cost on the Italian aspect, he would have taken instant 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 group
The explanations behind Hamilton’s underwhelming type in 2025 proceed to be debated throughout the Components 1 neighborhood. One of the crucial 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 influence 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 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.
Nevertheless, 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 moderately 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.
Then again, Lewis Hamilton’s former Mercedes teammate, Nico Rosberg, has taken a distinct stance. The 2016 world champion has instructed that age may certainly be enjoying a job within the Briton’s present type, calling it the “final” impediment. Nico Rosberg speculated that as Charles Leclerc continues to outperform Lewis Hamilton throughout 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 tough begin to the season, each the British driver and the group face mounting strain to make daring choices. Whether or not that entails technical updates, staffing adjustments, or a strategic rethink, it’s clear that point is operating out to show issues round in 2025.
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