Montoya Questions Leclerc's Ferrari Future Amid Performance Struggles

Juan Pablo Montoya believes Charles Leclerc's tenure at Ferrari is on a 'knife-edge' if the Scuderia continues to underperform, failing to provide him with a championship-contending car. The former Colombian driver expressed bewilderment at the high expectations surrounding Ferrari at the start of the season, emphasizing that Leclerc's patience, despite a long-term contract, is not limitless.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's inability to consistently provide a competitive car to its star driver, Charles Leclerc, could lead to his eventual departure, significantly impacting the team's future prospects and the driver market. Leclerc is widely regarded as one of F1's top talents, and losing him would be a major blow to the Maranello outfit's ambitions of returning to championship glory.

The Details:

• Montoya highlighted his confusion regarding the pre-season optimism around Ferrari, stating, "I don't understand why everyone thought Ferrari would be competitive. They've had an average car for years and nothing has changed."
• He questioned how long Leclerc can remain content with consistently finishing third or lower, implying that a lack of competitive machinery will ultimately drive the Monegasque away.
• The former F1 driver acknowledged that next year could be positive for Ferrari but stressed that if the team isn't competitive, Leclerc's patience will wear thin.
• Oliver Bearman's Emerging Role: Montoya also suggested that Oliver Bearman's strong recent performances could complicate Ferrari's driver lineup decisions, potentially forcing them to make a tough choice.
• Bearman, after an initial shaky start to the season, has delivered impressive results, even nearing a podium finish in Mexico, significantly contributing to the team's push towards sixth in the Constructors' Championship.

The Big Picture:

Ferrari has struggled for consistency and a genuine championship challenge for several years, a recurring theme that has plagued drivers like Sebastian Vettel and now threatens Leclerc's long-term commitment. Despite significant investment and strategic changes, the team has yet to close the gap to front-runners like Red Bull, creating a pressure cooker situation for both management and its star drivers.

What's next:

As Lewis Hamilton endures a challenging season at Mercedes before his move to Ferrari, the spotlight will intensify on how the Scuderia performs in the upcoming seasons. If Ferrari cannot deliver a car capable of fighting for wins and titles, the team risks not only losing Leclerc but also failing to maximize the potential of its incoming seven-time world champion. The performance in 2025 and the lead-up to the 2026 regulations will be crucial in determining Leclerc's future and Ferrari's competitive standing.