The 2025 Formula 1 season is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic in recent memory. After a static 2024 with no driver swaps, the grid has undergone a seismic reshuffle, with high-profile moves like Lewis Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari and Liam Lawson’s promotion to Red Bull signaling a new era. Add to that Carlos Sainz’s surprising shift to Williams, and the stakes are sky-high.
Former F1 star Juan Pablo Montoya offered a candid breakdown of the season’s major storylines, diving into the intrigue behind team decisions and the shifting power dynamics that could define the sport’s future.
Montoya: Verstappen Blocked Sainz’s Red Bull Return
Montoya didn’t mince words when discussing Carlos Sainz’s absence from Red Bull, suggesting that reigning champion Max Verstappen played a critical role in steering the Spaniard away.
“I’m sure that Max Verstappen would have stopped Carlos Sainz coming to Red Bull so the competition within the team wasn’t difficult,” Montoya speculated. “When they were teammates at Toro Rosso, their relationship was pretty bumpy. Max wouldn’t want to deal with that again.”
Rather than labeling it as fear, Montoya framed the move as smart team management from Verstappen:
“It’s not about Max being scared; it’s about being smart. Why would you make your life unnecessarily difficult and create a tough environment?”
Instead, Sainz has landed at Williams—a move that surprised many. While Montoya admitted disappointment, he expressed optimism about the team’s trajectory.
“It is disappointing that Carlos didn’t end up in a better place. But I think Williams are going to be another McLaren over the next few years. They have the financial backing and everything in place to get the job done.”
Hamilton’s Ferrari Gamble
Montoya also weighed in on Lewis Hamilton’s high-stakes move to Ferrari, calling it one of the biggest shifts in F1 history. Ferrari’s recent resurgence makes this a tantalizing prospect, but the British driver’s struggles in the ground-effect era raise questions about whether the 40-year-old can live up to the immense expectations from the Tifosi.
“Ferrari was in no rush to replace Sainz, but Hamilton brings a commercial boost and experience. If he can’t perform, though, the scrutiny will be immense.”
Antonelli Under the Microscope at Mercedes
Another focal point for Montoya was Kimi Antonelli’s promotion to a full-time Mercedes seat, stepping into the shoes of the seven-time world champion. The 19-year-old Italian arrives with massive expectations, and Montoya cautioned that the pressure could be overwhelming.
“You’re being sold as the next Max Verstappen. If he doesn’t deliver, that’s tough,” Montoya warned.
Montoya also highlighted the presence of Valtteri Bottas as a reserve driver, suggesting that Mercedes is hedging its bets.
“With Bottas, Mercedes is covering their arse. He’s a safety net if things don’t work out with Antonelli.”
Ricciardo’s Next Chapter?
As for Daniel Ricciardo, who remains without a full-time seat, Montoya sees a potential transition to a behind-the-scenes role.
“I don’t think he wants to do anything right now. If he does, something with Cadillac as an advisor or in simulator work could suit him.”
A New Era Begins
With Verstappen eyeing a fifth title amid mounting competition, Hamilton chasing glory in Ferrari red, and young talents like Antonelli and Lawson looking to prove themselves, the 2025 F1 season promises a spectacle of unpredictability and high drama. Montoya’s insights underscore just how much is at stake as the grid enters one of the most pivotal chapters in the sport’s history.
The Australian Grand Prix kicks off this thrilling season, with fans and pundits alike eager to see how the reshaped field performs on the world’s biggest motorsport stage. Buckle up—2025 is going to be a wild ride.