Montoya: Ferrari Should Listen to Hamilton to Unleash His Potential
Juan Pablo Montoya asserts that Ferrari's path to success lies in listening to Lewis Hamilton's technical feedback. He believes Hamilton is an "unstoppable" force with a point to prove, and his current frustration stems from a lack of reciprocal effort from the team. Ignoring Hamilton's insights, Montoya warns, will hinder not only the seven-time champion but also Charles Leclerc and Ferrari's overall performance.
Juan Pablo Montoya believes Lewis Hamilton could become 'unstoppable' at Ferrari if the team heeds the seven-time world champion's input. The former F1 driver argues that Ferrari's long-term success hinges on how quickly its engineers integrate Hamilton's feedback to improve the car.
Why it matters:
Ferrari's recent struggles, highlighted by a disappointing Sao Paulo Grand Prix, underscore the urgent need for a turnaround. Leveraging a driver of Hamilton's caliber and experience, particularly his technical insights, could be the key to unlocking the Scuderia's performance and returning to championship contention. This shift would challenge Ferrari's traditional internal dynamics, where driver input hasn't always been prioritized.
The Details:
- Hamilton's Drive: According to Montoya, Hamilton is fiercely determined to prove himself, stating, "He will win the championship or die trying." His frustration stems from a perceived mismatch between his efforts and the team's support.
- Ferrari's Stance: This comes after Ferrari executive John Elkann's remarks, suggesting drivers should "focus on driving and talk less." Montoya, however, argues that Hamilton's approach is not the problem.
- Empowering Hamilton: Montoya emphasizes that if Ferrari provides Hamilton with the "right tools" and ignites his competitive motivation, he will be "unstoppable." He dismisses any notion of Hamilton retiring soon, as the Briton is keen to protect his legacy.
- Team-wide Benefit: Montoya highlights that improving the car based on Hamilton's feedback would also benefit Charles Leclerc, suggesting a systemic issue rather than just a driver-specific one. "The car isn't getting better for Charles Leclerc either."
What's next:
Hamilton is still seeking his first Grand Prix podium with Ferrari, despite winning the team's first-ever Sprint in China. The upcoming Las Vegas GP will be another opportunity for him to push for a strong result. The critical question remains whether Ferrari will truly embrace Hamilton's technical direction, potentially paving the way for a more competitive future or continuing to struggle with its current approach.