Juan Pablo Montoya has once again spoken about Lewis Hamilton’s victory in Barcelona, a result that marked the British driver’s first win with Ferrari after 31 Grands Prix. However, the former Formula 1 driver focused less on what happened at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and more on what that success revealed about Hamilton’s connection with the car and the true technical level of the SF-26.
At this stage of the season, the championship battle remains wide open. Hamilton is firmly among the contenders for the 2026 Drivers’ Championship, a scenario that would not only allow him to secure a record-breaking eighth world title, but also his first championship with Ferrari. Such an achievement would make him the first driver of the modern era to win world titles with three different teams.
There is also another factor worth considering. Kimi Antonelli’s retirement in the previous race could become increasingly significant if Hamilton’s performances continue to improve and Barcelona proves to be more than an isolated success.
Juan Pablo Montoya sees Spa-Francorchamps as the real test for Hamilton and Ferrari
“Lewis Hamilton’s victory shattered the idea that Mercedes is unbeatable,” Montoya said. “People are excited because someone has finally put Mercedes under pressure. Now there is another dimension to the championship. On top of that, there’s the ‘old man’ that everyone thought was finished, and he’s making his mark again at the wheel of a Ferrari.”
The Colombian then added a point he considers particularly important.
“We have to wait for Spa to get a clearer picture. At the moment, Ferrari’s reliability is definitely better. But they know they are still behind in terms of power.”
Taking a step back, it has often been said that performing strongly at Barcelona is a clear sign of a fundamentally good car. Yet there were already indications earlier in the season, and even during pre-season testing, that Ferrari had produced a technically solid package.
Several rival teams have repeatedly drawn inspiration from solutions introduced by the Maranello squad. Red Bull’s interpretation of the so-called “Macarena wing” is just one example. The area where Ferrari is still believed to trail Mercedes is power unit performance, with the Italian manufacturer continuing to face a deficit compared to its German rival.
That situation could begin to change from the Austrian Grand Prix onwards with the introduction of ADUO. If the FIA formally approves the corrective measures provided by the regulations, Ferrari is expected to gain an initial performance increase of around 2%. However, the immediate impact may be limited, especially because Mercedes would also be entitled to a similar adjustment.
That “however” could become far more significant when Ferrari gains access to the second 2% of development available under the ADUO framework. The total allowance is believed to be around 4%, although the full benefit may not be available until the period between the Dutch Grand Prix and the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton: why Spa could reveal much more than Barcelona
Returning to Montoya’s central argument, performing well in Barcelona is usually a strong indicator of a competitive car, and Ferrari unquestionably impressed in Spain, particularly with Lewis Hamilton. That performance highlighted not only the technical quality of the SF-26 but also a driver who appears completely integrated with the project.
Hamilton seems genuinely comfortable inside the team, deeply involved in the car’s development and increasingly influential in shaping its direction. There is a growing sense that he has embedded part of his racing DNA into the Ferrari project.
Yet there are other circuits capable of providing a more complete assessment of both car and driver. Ferrari team principal Fréd Vasseur made that point clear after the Spanish Grand Prix.
“This year, it is not only Barcelona that matters. What matters is the entire technical development path throughout the season.”
If Montoya identifies Spa-Francorchamps as a crucial benchmark, Silverstone deserves to be included in the discussion as well. Both circuits, along with Barcelona, feature long straights, rapid changes of direction and medium-to-high-speed corners. They allow engineers and drivers to evaluate a car across a broad range of conditions and characteristics that are representative of many tracks on the calendar.
But why does Montoya place such emphasis on Spa? The answer lies in the Belgian circuit’s reputation as the “university of Formula 1.” While Barcelona primarily tests the quality of the car, Spa places a much greater spotlight on the driver.
Performance, confidence, adaptability and the ability to extract the maximum from the machinery all become highly visible at Spa-Francorchamps. In that sense, Montoya’s argument is logical. If Hamilton performs strongly there, it will demonstrate not only that he remains at the top of his game, but also that he fully understands the Ferrari project, its current position and its future potential.
Lewis Hamilton: Silverstone and Spa to confirm the resurgence
In reality, Lewis Hamilton does not need to prove anything to anyone. What he does need this season is confirmation that the progress made since the opening race can be sustained.
He appears relaxed, focused and surrounded by people capable of helping him extract the maximum from both himself and the SF-26. Unlike last season, Hamilton now looks completely in control of the situation. He understands what changes need to be made, how the team operates and how to work effectively within Ferrari’s structure.
The contrast with the previous year could hardly be greater.
Following Barcelona, therefore, Silverstone and especially Spa-Francorchamps will be the races that determine whether Lewis Hamilton can realistically continue fighting not only for a historic eighth world championship, but also for what could become his first—and perhaps only—title with Ferrari.
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