Hamilton and Ferrari: the inevitable split? As the 2025 Formula 1 season approaches, anticipation is at an all-time high. One of the biggest storylines of the year will be Lewis Hamilton’s much-anticipated debut with Ferrari. The seven-time world champion’s move from Mercedes to the Italian outfit has already sent shockwaves through the paddock and now, with a car potentially capable of fighting for the title, tensions within the team could escalate.
If Ferrari do indeed find themselves in contention for both championships, the internal battle between Hamilton and Charles Leclerc could become one of the defining aspects of the season.
Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has weighed in on the situation, predicting that Ferrari will eventually be forced to choose between its two star drivers causing a potentially huge split. He believes the team should back Hamilton at the expense of Leclerc, a move that could have serious implications for the Monegasque’s future with the Scuderia.
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The 2025 season begins on 16 March with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, which will be Hamilton’s first official race in Ferrari colours. His arrival in Maranello has been one of the most talked about transfers in F1 history, with the British driver leaving behind a Mercedes team that helped him win six of his seven world titles.
At 40 years old, Hamilton is still chasing an eighth championship, a record-breaking feat that would make him the most successful driver in the history of the sport. Ferrari, meanwhile, have been without a title since Kimi Raikkonen’s triumph in 2007 and the team see Hamilton as the key to ending their drought.
Standing in his way, however, is Leclerc, who joined the Scuderia in 2019 and has long hoped to lead Ferrari to glory.
For years, Leclerc has been the team’s undisputed number one driver, but the arrival of Hamilton threatens that status. If Ferrari prove competitive enough to fight for the championship, the team will eventually have to decide which driver to prioritize.
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Montoya predicts Ferrari will favour Hamilton
Former McLaren driver Juan Pablo Montoya has no doubt about which way Ferrari should lean. According to the Colombian, the team will have to back Hamilton to win the championship.
“The main issue will be the relationship between Charles and Lewis and how it develops. Ferrari will have to manage this dynamic well, but I think they have every interest in favouring Hamilton. And I think they will,” Montoya told F1i.
The logic behind this is simple. Hamilton’s experience, consistency and proven ability to win championships make him the safer bet in a title fight. While Leclerc is an exceptional talent, he has yet to mount a serious challenge for the championship. With Hamilton in the team, Ferrari now has a driver who knows what it takes to go all the way.
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Internal conflict on the horizon?
Montoya also highlighted the potential friction that could arise within the team, particularly if Ferrari do not manage the situation carefully.
“A driver who changes teams will always say that he is happier and more comfortable than before. It is a classic speech, but I am convinced that Lewis wants this title more than anything. He has an incredible hunger for victory. At the end of last season, Ferrari were closest to McLaren. So they are not that far away,” he added.
Montoya’s comments suggest that Hamilton’s presence at Ferrari could spark an internal power struggle that could ultimately push Leclerc towards the exit door. The Monegasque is fiercely loyal to Ferrari, but if he feels the team is prioritising Hamilton at his expense, his long-term commitment could be called into question.
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The consequences of a team order policy
If Ferrari do decide to favour Hamilton, the implications for Leclerc could be significant. The 26-year-old has repeatedly stated that his goal is to win a championship with Ferrari, but if he finds himself playing second fiddle to Hamilton, he may begin to explore his options elsewhere.
With McLaren and Red Bull both boasting strong driver line-ups, Leclerc’s potential destinations would be limited. However, a move to Mercedes could be on the cards, especially if the team struggle to find a long-term replacement for Hamilton.
A Leclerc-George Russell partnership at Mercedes would be a tantalising prospect, especially if Ferrari end up prioritising Hamilton over their young star.
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Ferrari’s title hopes depend on team harmony
While Montoya’s assessment may prove accurate, Ferrari must tread carefully when it comes to driver management. The team has struggled with internal rivalries in the past, with battles between Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, Sebastian Vettel and Leclerc, and even the infamous Alain Prost-Ayrton Senna feud, when the Brazilian legend was on the verge of joining the team before leaving for Williams instead.
If Ferrari are to win a championship, they cannot afford to let the tension between Hamilton and Leclerc derail their campaign.
The Scuderia will need both drivers working together to take the fight to McLaren and Red Bull. However, if Montoya’s prediction comes true and the team ultimately sides with Hamilton, the 2025 season could be the beginning of the end for Leclerc’s Ferrari dream.
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