Montoya Drops Bombshell: Hamilton Must Sack En..

Montoya Drops Bombshell: Hamilton Must Sack En…read more

In a dramatic and potentially divisive statement, Formula 1 legend Juan Pablo Montoya has issued a stern warning to Lewis Hamilton: demand changes now — or watch your dream Ferrari chapter spiral into a nightmare.

The Colombian motorsport icon, known for his fearless racing and outspoken views, hasn’t held back in his latest assessment of Hamilton’s rocky start to life in red. With the 2025 F1 season well underway, Hamilton has yet to find his rhythm in the Scuderia Ferrari garage, and Montoya believes the root of the problem lies not with the car — but with the man behind the radio, his race engineer Riccardo Adami.

“It’s simple,” Montoya said bluntly in a recent interview. “You don’t win seven world titles without knowing what you need to succeed. And right now, Lewis doesn’t have it — and that starts with the voice in his ear.”

Montoya’s remarks come amid growing concerns within the F1 paddock that Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari — a move that stunned the motorsport world when it was announced — is not living up to expectations. While much of the attention has focused on Ferrari’s technical struggles and strategic hiccups, Montoya insists that Hamilton’s underperformance is directly linked to a lack of synergy with his race engineer.

“Ricciardo Adami might be experienced, but that doesn’t mean he’s the right fit for Lewis,” Montoya continued. “There’s clearly a disconnect in communication, in trust, in timing — things that are absolutely critical when you’re trying to fight for podiums.”

Hamilton, who joined Ferrari in a bold move after over a decade with Mercedes, has found himself battling in the midfield more often than chasing wins — an unfamiliar and frustrating position for a driver of his stature. Montoya argues that now is the time for Hamilton to show leadership, assert his authority, and demand the structural changes needed to regain control of his season.

“Lewis needs to stop playing nice,” Montoya said. “He’s not there to make friends; he’s there to win. If that means firing the engineer and demanding a new one who fits his style and vision, so be it. Ferrari brought him in to shake things up — well, it’s time to shake.”

This call for Hamilton to make a decisive break from Adami is not without precedent in F1. Several top drivers, including Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel, have overhauled their engineering teams to spark performance gains. Montoya believes Hamilton must do the same — and fast.

“Every race that goes by with this miscommunication is a missed opportunity,” Montoya warned. “It’s not just about results. It’s about Lewis’s legacy. If he finishes his career floundering at Ferrari, people will ask: why didn’t he do something when he had the chance?”

Montoya’s words are sure to stir debate. Within the high-stakes world of F1, the relationship between driver and race engineer is often as crucial as the car’s aerodynamics. A strong rapport can make or break a championship campaign. For Hamilton, who has always valued precision, clarity, and calm under pressure, the current mismatch with Adami may be proving too costly.

While Hamilton has remained publicly supportive of his team so far, Montoya’s comments could force the issue into the spotlight. With Ferrari desperate to return to championship-winning form, and Hamilton eager to cap his illustrious career with a title in red, the pressure is now squarely on the Briton’s shoulders.

Will Hamilton heed Montoya’s warning and take the ruthless action demanded of champions? Or will loyalty and patience prove his undoing?

In a sport where milliseconds decide destinies, Montoya’s message is crystal clear: evolve — or be left behind.