Ferrari told to hand Hamilton priority in controversial…read more
In a bold assertion, former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has suggested that Ferrari should prioritize Lewis Hamilton over Charles Leclerc in the 2025 season. Montoya believes that, despite public declarations of equal treatment, the Scuderia’s best interests lie in focusing their resources on Hamilton.
Montoya emphasized the importance of managing the dynamics between Hamilton and Leclerc, noting that Ferrari’s handling of this relationship could be pivotal. He stated, “The big thing is going to be the interaction with Charles and how all that develops. That’s the biggest thing in my opinion; how well are they going to work together and whether Ferrari is going to do a good job managing them.”
The Colombian driver further suggested that, while Ferrari might publicly maintain a stance of equal treatment, internal strategies could favor Hamilton. Drawing parallels to Mercedes’ approach, Montoya remarked, “Publicly, they’re going to say it’s equal and will let them race. But Mercedes was always equal! And last year, George started beating Lewis for the first time after Lewis said he was leaving.”
Hamilton’s transition from Mercedes to Ferrari has been one of the most talked-about moves in recent F1 history. His arrival at Maranello has generated significant excitement among fans and pundits alike. Hamilton himself has expressed optimism about his prospects with the team, describing Ferrari as having a “magic” quality. After testing the new SF-25 car alongside Leclerc, Hamilton conveyed confidence in the team’s potential, stating, “There is magic here.”
However, not everyone shares this enthusiasm. Former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone has voiced skepticism regarding Hamilton’s move to Ferrari. Ecclestone questioned whether the partnership would yield the desired results and even speculated that Ferrari might regret signing Hamilton. He pointed out the potential challenges of team hierarchy, especially with Leclerc being well-established within the team and fluent in Italian, which could influence internal dynamics.
The potential for intra-team rivalry is reminiscent of past F1 dynamics, notably the intense competition between Hamilton and Nico Rosberg during their tenure at Mercedes. Their rivalry, marked by on-track clashes and off-track tensions, serves as a cautionary tale for teams managing two top-tier drivers.
The concept of team orders—directives from team management instructing drivers to act in the team’s best interest, sometimes at the expense of individual competition—has a storied history in Formula 1. While such orders were officially banned in 2002 due to negative public reaction, they were reinstated in 2011, acknowledging the challenges in regulating team strategies. Ferrari, in particular, has been at the center of several controversies involving team orders, most notably during the 2002 Austrian Grand Prix when Rubens Barrichello was instructed to allow Michael Schumacher to pass for the win.
As the 2025 season approaches, Ferrari faces the intricate task of balancing the ambitions of both Hamilton and Leclerc. Leclerc, often referred to as Ferrari’s “prodigal son,” has his own championship aspirations and is unlikely to acquiesce to a secondary role. The team’s management strategies will be crucial in navigating potential conflicts and ensuring that both drivers can perform at their peak without detrimental internal competition.
The broader F1 community is keenly observing how this partnership will unfold. Nigel Mansell, the last British driver to secure a Formula 1 victory for Ferrari, has expressed confidence in Hamilton’s potential to end the UK’s 35-year winless streak with the team. Mansell described Hamilton as a “complete class act” and believes he will surprise many with his performance in the upcoming season.
Montoya’s assertion underscores the strategic decisions Ferrari must contemplate in the 2025 season. Balancing the dynamics between a seasoned champion like Hamilton and a talented contender like Leclerc presents both challenges and opportunities. The manner in which Ferrari manages this relationship could significantly influence their quest for both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships.
