The motorsport world is still buzzing over Lewis Hamilton’s seismic switch to Ferrari, but Juan Pablo Montoya has a stark reminder for everyone: Ferrari will always be bigger than any driver—even a seven-time world champion.
In a bold assessment, Montoya insists that while Hamilton could have walked into any other team and instantly been the main character, the dynamic at Ferrari will be different. The British driver may have rewritten the record books, but in Maranello, he will not dictate the narrative—Ferrari will.
“The thing I find fascinating about Lewis at Ferrari is that today, he could be put in any team other than Ferrari, and he would be the protagonist,” Montoya stated. “But nothing is bigger than Ferrari, so I think the way they will control and manage it will be very interesting.”
Hamilton Faces a Unique Challenge at Ferrari
For over a decade, Mercedes was built around Hamilton. The garage, the strategy, and even the car’s development were centered around maximizing his strengths. But Ferrari operates differently—and Montoya believes Hamilton will have to adapt to a team culture where no driver is above the Scuderia.
While Ferrari’s legendary “#1 driver” tradition might suggest Hamilton could take precedence over Charles Leclerc, Montoya sees it differently. He warns that Hamilton may have to follow instructions he might not like, something the British driver hasn’t dealt with in years.
“It will be fascinating to see how Ferrari manages Lewis because, at the end of the day, Ferrari will always be in control. Hamilton is a megastar, but Ferrari is Ferrari.”
Angela Cullen’s Return: A Key Asset for Hamilton
Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari comes with another intriguing reunion: his former trainer and close confidant, Angela Cullen. After parting ways in early 2023, the duo is back together, and Montoya believes Cullen’s presence will be invaluable in helping Hamilton settle into his new environment.
“I think it’s good for Lewis Hamilton to have someone like Angela Cullen next to him because he’s entering a completely new environment.”
With Ferrari’s high-pressure atmosphere, intense Italian media scrutiny, and an entirely new team culture, Cullen’s return could help Hamilton stay mentally strong as he navigates this uncharted territory.
The Biggest Question: Can Hamilton Deliver for Ferrari?
The biggest unknown is whether Hamilton’s highly anticipated Ferrari chapter will yield championship glory. With Ferrari finally winning multiple races in 2024, the SF-23 was no slouch, but the real test will be Ferrari’s 2025 challenger.
At 40 years old, Hamilton still has the hunger to compete at the top level. However, as Montoya suggests, success at Ferrari isn’t just about talent—it’s about adapting to Ferrari’s way of doing things.
Will Hamilton’s legacy shine even brighter in red? Or will Ferrari’s legendary power structure limit his ambitions? The world will find out when F1 returns to Melbourne for the season opener.
One thing is certain: Ferrari may have signed Hamilton, but Ferrari still calls the shots.