Ferrari Told to Prioritize Lewis Hamilton Over Charles Leclerc for 2025 Car

Ferrari has been urged to shift its focus toward Lewis Hamilton as it builds its 2025 Formula 1 challenger. Former driver and veteran racer Juan Pablo Montoya believes the team must prioritize the seven-time world champion over Charles Leclerc if it hopes to return to title contention.

“In my opinion, if Ferrari wants to be competitive next year, the base of the car has to be more based on Lewis than on Charles,” Montoya said in recent comments. “Because the cars that have been based on Charles are cars that can win one or two races a year, but no titles.”

Hamilton, who joined Ferrari for the 2025 season in a blockbuster move from Mercedes, has made it clear that this year is about building a foundation. The British driver has already provided feedback on simulator tools and engineering processes in Maranello, laying the groundwork for long-term gains.

Montoya’s remarks come as Hamilton faces a challenging start to life in red, with Ferrari struggling for consistency and team orders still raising questions. The suggestion to pivot development around Hamilton may stir tension internally, but Montoya believes it’s a necessary shift for the Scuderia to finally break its title drought.