Montoya: Ferrari Can Unlock 'Unstoppable' Hamilton After Elkann's 'Talk Less' Demand

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc recently received candid feedback from Ferrari president John Elkann following a double DNF at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, comments that resonated across the motorsport world.

With both drivers urged to "focus on driving, talk less," seven-time Grand Prix winner Juan Pablo Montoya believes Hamilton will be "unstoppable" if he feels the Ferrari machine truly supports him.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's public call for its drivers to "talk less" and "focus on driving" following a disappointing double DNF in Brazil highlights growing internal pressure. This directive from President John Elkann, perceived as both motivational and critical, underscores the Scuderia's struggle to consistently perform at the top. For Lewis Hamilton, who faces his first podium-less season in F1, these comments, combined with his current performance gap to Charles Leclerc, amplify the scrutiny on his move to Ferrari and the team's ability to provide him with a championship-contending car.

The Details:

• Elkann's Directive: Ferrari president John Elkann's remarks after the World Endurance Championship title win, stating that in F1, "mechanics who are always first in performing pit stops" and "engineers work to improve the car," but "the rest is not up to par." He specifically pointed to Hamilton and Leclerc, saying they "need to focus on driving, talk less."
• Hamilton's Frustration: Montoya suggests Hamilton's current frustration stems from feeling he is exerting more effort than Ferrari is matching. Hamilton believes he is "putting in a lot of effort to try make things work, but the team aren't matching that energy."
• The Key to Unlocking Hamilton: Montoya argues that to rediscover the "record-setting Lewis Hamilton of old," Ferrari must provide him with the right tools and fully back him. "Give Hamilton the right tools and he'll be there competing at the top."
• Unstoppable Potential: According to Montoya, if "things click and the motivation to compete is back, oh my god, Hamilton will be unstoppable."
• Long-term Benefits: Montoya emphasizes the importance of Ferrari's team and engineers listening to Hamilton's input on car improvements, stating, "The faster Ferrari's team and engineers listen to Hamilton on how to make the car better, the better it will be for the team in the long term."
• Hamilton's Response: Following Elkann's comments, Hamilton posted on social media, reaffirming his commitment: "I back my team. I back myself. I will not give up. Not now, not then, not ever. Thank you, Brazil, always."

The Big Picture:

Lewis Hamilton's debut season with Ferrari has been challenging, currently seeing him 66 points behind teammate Charles Leclerc and facing the prospect of his first F1 season without a podium. This performance, coupled with President Elkann's public call for drivers to "talk less," paints a picture of a team under immense pressure to deliver. Montoya's insight suggests that while Hamilton's drive remains undimmed, Ferrari's internal dynamics and their capacity to align with his immense experience and desire to win will be critical in harnessing his full potential and transforming the Scuderia's fortunes.

What's next:

As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on how Ferrari's management, engineering team, and drivers, especially Hamilton and Leclerc, integrate and respond to the challenges. The focus will be on whether Ferrari can provide Hamilton with a car that truly allows him to compete at the sharp end of the grid, alleviating the frustrations noted by Montoya. The effectiveness of Elkann's motivational tactics and the team's ability to translate driver feedback into performance gains will be crucial in determining if Hamilton can indeed become "unstoppable" in red.