As Ferrari faces the monumental task of ending a championship drought that stretches back over fifteen years, a critical debate has emerged: should the team build its future around established star Charles Leclerc or incoming legend Lewis Hamilton? According to seven-time Grand Prix winner Juan Pablo Montoya, the answer is clear. In a blunt assessment, he has urged the Scuderia to go all-in on Hamilton, arguing that focusing the car’s design “completely” on the seven-time champion’s wishes is the only path to title glory.
This expert opinion highlights a pivotal decision for Ferrari as it navigates a challenging present while preparing for the massive regulation changes of the 2026 season, a moment that could define its success for years to come.
The Hamilton vs. Leclerc Conundrum at Ferrari
While Lewis Hamilton’s arrival from Mercedes was hailed as a blockbuster move for the 2025 season, the team has found itself at a significant deficit to the front-runners. With the current championship seemingly out of reach, attention is rapidly shifting to the 2026 regulations, which will introduce entirely new chassis and engine formulas.
Hamilton himself has indicated he will soon push the team to pivot its full attention to the future. “Before too soon, I will just be saying, ‘Let’s focus on next year,’” Hamilton stated, emphasizing the need to build a foundation for success. The challenge, however, lies in who should lead that development. While Leclerc has been the stronger performer for Ferrari in the current season, securing all of the team’s podiums so far, Montoya believes experience must take precedence.
Montoya’s Blunt Verdict: “Focus Completely on Hamilton”
Juan Pablo Montoya did not mince words when analyzing Ferrari’s situation. He argues that for the team to break its title drought, it must leverage Hamilton’s unparalleled experience in building championship-winning cars.
“I personally think the basis of the car now should be completely focused on Hamilton’s wishes, rather than Leclerc’s,” Montoya told W Radio Colombia. “In any case, that is the wisest thing to do if they want a competitive car next year.”
He drew a stark contrast between the potential outcomes based on which driver leads development. “Cars based on Leclerc’s preferences may be able to win a race or two in a year, but a world title will not be in it,” he claimed bluntly.
Why Hamilton? Experience Over Current Form
Montoya’s assessment centers on Hamilton’s proven ability to diagnose a car’s needs and guide a team towards a championship-contending package—a skill honed over more than a decade at the top with McLaren and Mercedes.
“Under Hamilton’s leadership, Ferrari will quickly find more pace, because he always knows exactly what a car needs,” Montoya asserted. This perspective suggests that while Leclerc is an exceptionally fast driver capable of winning races, Hamilton possesses the unique development acumen required to elevate an entire organization to championship status. The argument is that Hamilton’s input is the key ingredient Ferrari has been missing since its last title victory with Kimi Räikkönen in 2007.
The High Stakes of 2026: A Defining Moment for Ferrari
The upcoming 2026 regulation overhaul represents a reset for the entire grid, providing a golden opportunity for teams to make significant gains. For Ferrari, the decision of which driver’s philosophy to follow will be one of the most critical in its recent history.
Aligning with Hamilton would be a clear statement of intent to leverage his quest for a record-breaking eighth World Championship as the driving force for the team’s own ambitions. The team’s choice will not only shape the technical direction of its new car but will also send a powerful message about its strategy and leadership priorities for the new era of Formula 1.
