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The Formula 1 world is eagerly awaiting the return of Lewis Hamilton in 2025, but this time, it will be in the iconic red of Ferrari. The seven-time World Champion is set to embark on a new chapter after leaving Mercedes, with hopes of reclaiming the dominance that once made him untouchable. And according to former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya, if Ferrari delivers a competitive car, the Hamilton of old—one that “nobody can beat, not even Max Verstappen”—could return.
Hamilton and Verstappen’s fierce rivalry peaked in 2021, producing one of the most intense title fights in F1 history. However, since Verstappen controversially edged out Hamilton to secure his first championship, the Dutchman has gone on to establish an era of dominance, winning four consecutive titles. Meanwhile, Hamilton and Mercedes have struggled to find their former glory, with the Briton failing to add to his tally of 103 Grand Prix wins.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is seen as both a gamble and a masterstroke. At 40 years old, his motivation and speed have come into question, especially after a tough final season with Mercedes, where he admitted to being “definitely not fast anymore” following a qualifying defeat to teammate George Russell in Qatar. But if Ferrari provides a car capable of winning, Montoya believes Hamilton will return to his best.
The Hamilton of Old Could Return
Montoya, who raced for Williams and McLaren in the early 2000s, sees parallels between Hamilton’s situation and Fernando Alonso’s career. Alonso, despite being in his 40s, remains highly competitive, proving that raw speed does not necessarily decline with age.
“What happened to Lewis Hamilton is what happened to Fernando Alonso,” Montoya told Crash.net. “They still have 100 percent of their speed, but they will still somehow qualify just in the top 10. If the car is capable of winning, then they would be much higher.
“If Hamilton has a fast car this season, we’ll see the old Hamilton from a few years ago, the Hamilton that nobody can beat, not even Max Verstappen. But the question for Ferrari is how will they keep him motivated?”
Montoya’s assertion suggests that Hamilton’s recent struggles were more about machinery than ability. If Ferrari can build a car on par with Red Bull’s, Hamilton could be the biggest threat to Verstappen’s continued dominance.
Is Hamilton Still Fast Enough?
Not everyone shares Montoya’s level of confidence. Former F1 driver Karun Chandhok has a more measured view on Hamilton’s current form. While he acknowledges Hamilton’s talent and experience, he questions whether he still possesses the same raw pace, particularly in qualifying.
“I think Ferrari made good steps towards the end of the year,” Chandhok told GPblog. “I think Lewis will bring new energy into the team.
“Is Lewis as fast in qualifying as he used to be? No. Is he going to be as fast as Charles Leclerc in qualifying? Probably not. Is Lewis still capable of winning an eighth championship if the car is capable? Yes, he is.”
This highlights an interesting dynamic within Ferrari. Hamilton will be joining Charles Leclerc, a driver renowned for his one-lap speed. If Ferrari is to mount a title challenge, intra-team harmony and car development will be crucial.
A Bold Move by Ferrari
Ferrari’s decision to bring in Hamilton at the expense of Carlos Sainz raised eyebrows. Sainz, a four-time Grand Prix winner with the team, had proven his ability to challenge both Leclerc and Red Bull’s dominance, even securing Ferrari’s only victory in 2023. However, the allure of having a driver of Hamilton’s stature—who brings not just speed but invaluable championship experience—was too tempting to pass up.
With Sainz moving to Williams on a multi-year deal, Ferrari is fully committed to this Hamilton-Leclerc partnership. The question now is whether Ferrari can finally provide a car that is not only fast but also consistent over a full season—something that has eluded them in recent years.
A Final Shot at Greatness?
For Hamilton, F1 2025 represents a fresh start and possibly his last real shot at an eighth title. His legacy as one of the sport’s greatest drivers is already secure, but surpassing Michael Schumacher’s record would cement his status as the greatest of all time.
The challenge is clear: Ferrari must deliver a car capable of taking on Red Bull, and Hamilton must prove that he still has what it takes to fight at the very top. If both those factors align, then F1 fans may witness the return of a Hamilton that even Verstappen cannot stop.
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