Lewis Hamilton’s pursuit of an eighth Formula 1 World Championship may face fewer roadblocks than many expect in 2025, according to former F1 star Juan Pablo Montoya. Montoya believes that Red Bull’s dominance, led by Max Verstappen, could falter this season, with lingering design issues that even the team’s legendary designer Adrian Newey has struggled to address. And for Hamilton, that could mean an unexpected opportunity to reclaim the throne.
The Formula 1 world was rocked in May 2024 when Newey revealed that he would be stepping back from his design duties to focus on Red Bull’s ambitious hypercar project, the RB17, in early 2025. This announcement raised eyebrows, but Newey’s influence over the design of Red Bull’s F1 cars is undisputed, with a remarkable history of success—12 Constructors’ Championships and 16 Drivers’ titles to his name.
However, just as Red Bull seemed poised to continue their winning streak, cracks began to appear in their 2024 car. After a promising start to the season, a series of missteps—including a disastrous floor upgrade—saw the team struggle on track. Newey himself admitted that the 2024 car had become increasingly difficult to handle, particularly for Sergio Perez, even as Verstappen continued to adapt and clinch his fourth consecutive title.
Newey’s Admissions Spark Worries for Red Bull
Red Bull’s struggles have been an open secret in the F1 paddock. Newey’s candid comments about the team’s struggles last season suggest that the problems are deeper than many had previously acknowledged. “It suited Max, and he could handle that,” Newey explained about the car’s issues, referring to the balance struggles of the RB20. “But Checo couldn’t.” As Verstappen pushed through a rare 10-race winless streak, even he struggled to tame the car that had been a dominant force in recent years.
Montoya, who has seen firsthand the highs and lows of Formula 1, believes that Red Bull will face difficulties this year that could prevent them from continuing their reign. “Max Verstappen is not going to be Lewis’s problem this year,” Montoya said with confidence. He expressed doubt that Red Bull would come out swinging in 2025, especially after Newey’s admission that the team’s car development had gone down a path that could potentially undo their progress.
Red Bull’s Uncertain Future and Hamilton’s Opportunity
Montoya’s view is supported by the dramatic shifts within the Red Bull team. After Newey’s announcement, Pierre Waché has taken the reins, but Montoya argues that Red Bull’s challenges are far from over. “If you’re saying you’re building the car wrong and you realise what you’re doing is wrong, then how convinced are you that what you’re doing now is completely right?” Montoya mused. “At some point, they have just got to go: ‘This is what we believe in, and this is where we’re going to put an effort in, and this is what we’re going to do.’”
Montoya’s analysis suggests that Red Bull, while still formidable, might be moving in the wrong direction with their car development. The team’s struggles last year—despite Verstappen’s title win—saw them fall to third in the Constructors’ Championship, with McLaren and Ferrari overtaking them. If Red Bull’s foundational issues are not resolved, they risk falling further behind, leaving the door open for rivals like Ferrari and Mercedes.
Hamilton’s Hopes for 2025: A New Beginning with Ferrari
For Hamilton, 2025 could be a pivotal year. Having made the switch to Ferrari, the seven-time World Champion is looking to dethrone Verstappen and claim his record-breaking eighth title. With Red Bull possibly facing a turbulent year, Hamilton’s opportunity to challenge for the title could be stronger than ever. Ferrari, with their renewed focus and the addition of new talent, are primed to capitalize on any missteps from Red Bull.
Conclusion: Is Verstappen’s Era Coming to an End?
Montoya’s bold prediction for 2025 suggests that Max Verstappen’s dominance could be under threat, and for the first time in years, the prospect of a new champion looms large. If Red Bull cannot recover from their design issues and improve their car, the door could be wide open for Hamilton to make history with Ferrari. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Red Bull can bounce back—or whether 2025 will be the year that the status quo in Formula 1 is finally shaken.
