Former Formula 1 champion Juan Pablo Montoya warned that the simmering rivalry between Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc is unlikely to cool down.
Ferrari’s Internal Tension Grows
After a rocky 2025 season in which Hamilton struggled with Maranello’s setup, the Briton returned to form in 2026, taking his first red‑flagged victory at the Barcelona‑Catalunya Grand Prix. Using that win, Hamilton now sits third in the drivers’ standings, while Leclerc occupies fifth place. Despite mounting pressure for Ferrari to designate Hamilton as first‑choice and to enforce team orders when the pair clash, Chief Strategy Officer Fred Vasseur has chosen to keep the two rivals on equal footing.
Montoya’s Prediction of a New Clash
Asked on F1 TV’s “Weekend Warm‑Up” whether the squabble has been soothed, Montoya answered that “they’ll get together again for sure” and emphasized the need for Leclerc to “earn that respect back.” He explained that Leclerc must grant Hamilton space once, and Hamilton will, in turn, respond with fairness only if Leclerc demonstrates genuine intent to cooperate. If not, “Lewis is going to be all out,” Montoya added, referencing a potential escalation on the track.
Guest analyst Alex Brundle echoed Montoya’s concerns. He described the situation as “interesting to see how that plays out,” noting that McLaren is tightening its grip on the Constructors’ title and is strong in recent races. Brundle highlighted Lando Norris’s growing threat to Hamilton in the Drivers’ championship, suggesting that any friction could harm both their championship aspirations. Ferrari currently sits second in the Constructors’ standings with 358 points, trailed by McLaren, which has 306 points.
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