Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari challenges draw Juan Pablo Montoya’s surprise, deemed ‘not normal’ in Formula 1. Juan Pablo Montoya highlights Lewis Hamilton’s unusual brake failure.

Juan Pablo Montoya highlights unusual Lewis Hamilton brake issue at Ferrari in Singapore GP

Juan Pablo Montoya has expressed astonishment at a brake-related problem that Lewis Hamilton encountered during the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix, describing it as highly unusual in modern Formula 1. The seven-time world champion continues to face a challenging debut season with Ferrari, with the issue serving as another reminder of the difficulties he has experienced after moving from Mercedes to Maranello.

Hamilton joined Ferrari in 2025 on a two-year contract, generating excitement among F1 fans who hoped the partnership would produce championship-contending performances. Instead, the season has unfolded as one of the most difficult in the seven-time Formula 1 world champion’s career, with the Briton struggling through a podium drought while trying to adapt to the SF-25’s limitations. The Singapore Grand Prix in particular highlighted the ongoing technical and strategic challenges Hamilton faces as a Ferrari driver.

Brake failure shocks Montoya at Marina Bay

During the closing laps of the Singapore Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton suffered a brake failure while leading Fernando Alonso by nearly 45 seconds. Forced to adapt rapidly, Hamilton implemented unconventional tactics to ensure he maintained his position ahead of Alonso, who ultimately finished just half a second behind. Montoya expressed surprise that such a brake failure could occur in a modern F1 race, noting that such mechanical issues are now extremely rare unless unusual circumstances, such as debris interference, are involved.

Former F1 driver Montoya commented that Hamilton’s performance, despite the brake issues, demonstrated his competitiveness and skill. Lewis Hamilton had consistently outpaced his teammate Charles Leclerc throughout the weekend, and even under duress, managed to secure vital points for Ferrari. However, his actions in the final laps, including cutting corners, resulted in a five-second penalty — underscoring the fine margins and pressures that F1 drivers contend with when managing failing components.

Ferrari’s technical support differs from Mercedes experience

The former Formula 1 driver also highlighted a broader challenge for Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari: the difference in technical support compared to his previous team. Radio communications from Hamilton to Ferrari engineers have revealed requests for assistance in areas such as brake bias and tyre management, issues that he was accustomed to addressing differently during his 12-year tenure at Mercedes. Montoya explained that Ferrari’s setup and approach require Hamilton to adapt to a team culture that does not provide the same level of hands-on guidance he previously received.

Specifically, Juan Pablo Montoya noted that Ferrari struggled with rear tyre temperature management during the Singapore GP. Hamilton and Leclerc had to carefully manage tyre heating by adjusting throttle application and braking techniques. While Charles Leclerc received step-by-step guidance to avoid overheating, Lewis Hamilton faced challenges in receiving the level of real-time feedback he was used to, highlighting the learning curve associated with integrating into a new team environment. This gap in communication and technical support may be a significant factor in Hamilton’s ongoing adaptation to Ferrari’s engineering methodology.

Impact on Hamilton’s Ferrari debut season

The brake failure in Singapore and the difficulties in team integration illustrate why Hamilton’s first season with Ferrari has been particularly demanding. Transitioning from a team that consistently contended for championships to one struggling to optimize its car has emphasized the difference in expectations and resources. Analysts suggest that such challenges are compounded by Hamilton’s natural driving style, which relies heavily on rapid reflexes and precise feedback to engineers — a process that Ferrari’s current setup has struggled to fully accommodate.

Juan Pablo Montoya’s observations underline the unique challenges Hamilton faces in 2025. From rare mechanical issues like brake failure to tyre management difficulties and differences in technical support, Hamilton’s adaptation to Ferrari continues to be a steep learning curve. The Singapore GP serves as a microcosm of these broader struggles, reflecting the complexities of racing at the pinnacle of motorsport while integrating into a new team culture and car design philosophy.

Ultimately, Juan Pablo Montoya’s comments provide insight into why the Briton has found it challenging to gel with Ferrari in his first season. For a driver of his experience, accustomed to podium finishes and championship battles, the combination of mechanical unpredictability, tyre management challenges, and unfamiliar technical support highlights the stark realities of Formula 1 competition at Maranello.