Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Struggles Continue as Montoya Urges Engineer Shakeup Amid Brundle Opposition
Lewis Hamilton’s debut season with Ferrari in 2025 is proving to be a difficult one, with the seven-time world champion still searching for his first Grand Prix podium after the opening eight rounds. While he claimed two Sprint race podiums—winning in Shanghai and finishing third in Miami—his performances in the main races have failed to meet expectations, and he has yet to establish himself as a consistent front-runner.
At 40 years old, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion is finding it challenging to adapt both to the SF-25’s handling characteristics and the new environment at Maranello. The Spanish Grand Prix was expected to offer Ferrari a fresh opportunity, especially with the FIA’s new flexi-wing directive potentially shaking up the competitive order. However, the regulation change has done little to improve Hamilton’s situation. He continues to struggle with the car’s instability—particularly at the rear—while Charles Leclerc has consistently shown stronger pace and results, placing him significantly ahead of his new teammate.
In Barcelona, Hamilton was reportedly difficult to interview, and both he and Leclerc avoided giving concrete responses regarding Ferrari’s lack of competitiveness. Ongoing issues with pit wall strategy and miscommunication over team radio have further compounded the Scuderia’s struggles throughout the 2025 season.
One major point of concern has been Hamilton’s radio communication with his race engineer, Riccardo Adami. Despite efforts to strengthen their working relationship, the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix highlighted persistent problems. During the race, Adami failed to provide Hamilton with crucial information and, at one point, completely ignored his driver’s queries. These lapses have sparked internal frustration and caught the attention of former F1 drivers and analysts alike.
Montoya Calls for Hamilton to Overhaul His Ferrari Support Staff
As Ferrari entered the Barcelona Grand Prix at the Circuit de Catalunya trailing McLaren by 177 points in the Constructors’ Championship and with the Briton languishing sixth in the Drivers’ standings, the pressure on the Maranello squad has intensified. While Sky Sports pundit Martin Brundle warned against knee-jerk decisions or dismissals within the team, former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya offered a contrasting view.
Speaking to AS Colombia, the former Formula 1 driver urged Lewis Hamilton to consider making substantial changes behind the scenes. The Colombian suggested that Hamilton needs to show greater assertiveness, especially when dealing with his engineering crew. Montoya argued that if communication and performance levels remain subpar, the British driver must not hesitate to request a change in personnel, even if it risks internal tension.
He indicated that Hamilton’s current issues might stem from a lack of urgency or accountability within his engineering team. According to Montoya, a more proactive approach could send a clear message to those working closely with the driver—either meet the required standards or face reassignment. He expressed concern about Adami’s apparent unwillingness to respond on the radio during the Monaco GP, describing the behaviour as unprofessional and potentially damaging to team morale.
Montoya further suggested that if he were in charge at the Italian side, he would have taken immediate disciplinary action against the engineer for his conduct, emphasizing that such lapses are unacceptable in a top-tier racing organisation.
Examining the Root Causes of Lewis Hamilton’s Struggles at the Maranello team
The reasons behind Hamilton’s underwhelming form in 2025 continue to be debated across the Formula 1 community. One of the most commonly cited issues is the SF-25’s unpredictable handling characteristics. The car appears to lack front-end confidence, a trait that Hamilton has consistently required to perform at his best. Despite the anticipated impact of the FIA’s flexi-wing directive introduced in Barcelona, there has been little measurable improvement for the British driver.
In addition to technical problems, some observers have questioned whether Lewis Hamilton’s age is beginning to affect his performance. Coming off a difficult 2024 Formula 1 season—his worst statistically in F1—doubts have started to grow over whether he can still compete with the younger generation of drivers at the front of the grid.
However, opinions remain divided. Ralf Schumacher dismissed the notion that age is a primary factor, instead suggesting that Hamilton’s frustrations are a result of being uncomfortable with the car rather than a physical or mental decline. Schumacher believes that even a driver of Hamilton’s calibre cannot overcome a fundamentally flawed setup if it doesn’t suit his driving style.
On the other hand, Lewis Hamilton’s former Mercedes teammate, Nico Rosberg, has taken a different stance. The 2016 world champion has suggested that age might indeed be playing a role in the Briton’s current form, calling it the “ultimate” obstacle. Nico Rosberg speculated that as Charles Leclerc continues to outperform Lewis Hamilton within the same machinery, questions about the 40-year-old’s sharpness and adaptability are becoming increasingly valid.
As Ferrari attempt to recover from a difficult start to the season, both the British driver and the team face mounting pressure to make bold decisions. Whether that involves technical updates, staffing changes, or a strategic rethink, it is clear that time is running out to turn things around in 2025.
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