Breaking News: Max Verstappen won’t be a problem for Lewis Hamilton in 2025 due to…read more

Max Verstappen won’t be a problem for Lewis Hamilton in 2025 due to…read more 

Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has expressed skepticism about Red Bull Racing’s prospects for the 2025 season, suggesting that Max Verstappen may not pose a significant challenge to Lewis Hamilton’s championship ambitions. Montoya anticipates a decline in Red Bull’s performance, especially following the departure of their esteemed Chief Technical Officer, Adrian Newey, to Aston Martin. He predicts that Ferrari and McLaren will emerge as the primary contenders this season.

Montoya’s analysis indicates that the much-anticipated on-track duels between Verstappen and Hamilton might be less frequent than fans hope, particularly after Hamilton’s high-profile move from Mercedes to Ferrari. Reflecting on their intense rivalry, notably the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix where Verstappen clinched his first Drivers’ Championship, Montoya suggests that shifting team dynamics could alter the competitive landscape.

Red Bull’s recent challenges have been compounded by internal discord. Reports highlight a feud between Team Principal Christian Horner and senior adviser Helmut Marko, leading to disagreements over driver line-ups and team strategy. This internal strife, coupled with Verstappen’s father’s public call for Horner’s resignation over alleged misconduct, has disrupted team harmony. Additionally, the mishandling of Sergio Pérez’s departure after a subpar season has further strained the team’s cohesion. Former F1 driver Gerhard Berger has commented on these issues, suggesting that such internal conflicts could signal a downturn for Red Bull.

The departure of Adrian Newey, a pivotal figure in Red Bull’s engineering success, is expected to significantly impact the team’s performance. Newey’s transition to Aston Martin in early 2025 leaves a void in Red Bull’s technical leadership, potentially hindering their car development and on-track competitiveness.

In contrast, McLaren has demonstrated a strong understanding of the current technical regulations, leading to significant car upgrades over the past season. This progress positions them as formidable contenders in the upcoming championship. Montoya commends McLaren’s ability to identify and implement necessary improvements effectively, suggesting they have become adept at translating their efforts into on-track success.

Ferrari’s acquisition of Lewis Hamilton has been a focal point of off-season discussions. While some, like former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone, question the prudence of this move—citing potential internal conflicts and Hamilton’s possible waning motivation—others view it as a strategic effort by Ferrari to bolster their championship prospects. Ecclestone warns that Ferrari might regret signing Hamilton, especially if internal team dynamics favor Charles Leclerc, who is already well-integrated and fluent in Italian.

Lando Norris of McLaren has expressed support for Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari, acknowledging the boldness required to make such a significant career move. Norris looks forward to competing against Hamilton in the 2025 season, recognizing the seven-time world champion’s enduring skill and reputation.

As the 2025 Formula 1 season approaches, the shifting team dynamics, internal challenges at Red Bull, and strategic moves by Ferrari and McLaren suggest a potentially transformative year for the sport. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these developments will influence on-track performances and championship outcomes.