As the 2024 Formula 1 season drew to a dramatic close at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, an era ended with Lewis Hamilton making his final start in a Mercedes-powered car. With 356 Grand Prix starts under the Tri-Star badge, the seven-time world champion now embarks on a new chapter at Ferrari, teaming up with Charles Leclerc. But if history is any indication, Leclerc might have plenty to worry about.
Ex-F1 driver and seven-time Grand Prix winner Juan Pablo Montoya has weighed in on the seismic shift. Speaking to the Instant Casino media team, Montoya didn’t mince words about Hamilton’s potential to dominate once he adjusts to Ferrari’s machinery.
“Give Hamilton Time, and He’ll Win Everything”
Montoya predicts Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari will start with growing pains but end in dominance. “Lewis is mature enough to appreciate that in the short term he is going to struggle a little bit, learning the Ferrari thing,” said Montoya.
However, he warned Leclerc not to get too comfortable: “Charles is going to feel like he’s got the upper hand. But give it about six or seven races, and if the car is competitive, Lewis is going to win everything.”
The dynamic is eerily reminiscent of Hamilton’s move from McLaren to Mercedes in 2013, where he quickly overshadowed Nico Rosberg, McLaren’s homegrown talent. For Ferrari, which has built its long-term vision around Leclerc, Hamilton’s arrival could create a power struggle in the garage—a scenario that may echo the infamous Hamilton-Rosberg rivalry.
Montoya’s Take on Verstappen’s Future: “Loyalty Only Lasts While You’re Winning”
Montoya also shared candid thoughts on Max Verstappen’s potential exit from Red Bull. With Red Bull set to debut its in-house powertrains in 2026, Montoya speculated that Verstappen’s loyalty could falter if the team’s competitiveness wanes.
“He doesn’t have it that difficult,” Montoya said. “Yes, it’s hard because he works really hard. He has a stable job. And he kind of controls a lot of what happens. The big question is, is Max willing to play cool if 2026 is bad?”
Montoya suggested that Verstappen, accustomed to dominating the grid, wouldn’t tolerate running mid-pack. “If Red Bull comes with the powertrains and it’s not where it needs to be, is Max going to be happy running tenth? No.”
Could Mercedes Lure Verstappen Away?
Montoya floated the possibility of Verstappen jumping ship to a rival team like Mercedes if Red Bull falters. “And if Mercedes comes with an offer, he is going to jump ship straight away. It’s very easy to be loyal when you’re winning races,” he quipped.
Though Verstappen has publicly dismissed rumors of leaving Red Bull, Montoya suspects private conversations may tell a different story. “Publicly he would say, ‘No way,’ but internally I would be surprised if a conversation was not going on.”
2025: A New Era of Rivalries
With Hamilton’s Ferrari debut looming and Verstappen’s future at Red Bull increasingly scrutinized, the 2025 season is shaping up to be a battleground for both drivers and teams. Will Hamilton reclaim glory in red and disrupt Ferrari’s internal harmony? Can Verstappen remain dominant or will he face a crossroads in loyalty?
One thing is certain—Formula 1’s landscape is about to undergo seismic shifts, and fans should buckle up for what promises to be a blockbuster season.
