F1 expert tells Ferrari to compromise Charles Leclerc in favor of Lewis Hamilton to win titles

Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya advised Ferrari to build its car around Lewis Hamilton over Charles Leclerc in 2026. He stated that cars developed per Leclerc's comfort are best to win a few races, but not a championship.

Hamilton, after spending 11 years with Mercedes, joined Scuderia Ferrari earlier this year. He joined Leclerc, who has been with the red team since 2019, as a teammate. In the first nine races of the 2025 season, the Monegasque driver has outperformed the Brit in qualifying rounds and Grand Prix races.

For Hamilton, his primary complaint is adaptability. He is apparently uncomfortable with Ferrari's car design, and the adjustment is taking time.

However, to eliminate this problem in 2026, former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has advised Ferrari to build next-generation cars around Lewis Hamilton's wishes and input. He stated that to win titles, the Italian team has to prioritize the seven-time world champion, as cars built around Charles Leclerc are not potent enough to win championships.

Talking on Montoya AS's podcast, Juan Pablo said:

"In my opinion, if they want to be competitive next year, the base of the car has to be more based on Lewis than on Charles. Because the cars that have been based on Charles are cars that can win one or two races a year, but no [titles]. And look, under Lewis's leadership, when they go fast, they find everything very quickly, and he always gives very good direction to what the car needs."

In 2026, new engine regulations are set to come into effect. Ferrari, as a power unit manufacturer, has a huge responsibility on their shoulders. However, prioritising either Hamilton or Leclerc won't be an easy decision, as both are quality drivers with proven success on the track.

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Lewis Hamilton wants Ferrari to focus on 2026

Lewis Hamilton at F1 Grand Prix of Spain - Previews - Source: Getty

After nine races in the 2025 season, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc dropped to P6 and P5, respectively, in the championship races. Ferrari reportedly has some upgrades in the pipeline to improve in the second half of the season. However, the seven-time world champion believes diverting resources to 2026 could be a better option since new engine regulations are on the horizon.

Talking to Mirror.co.uk, Hamilton said:

"I don't know what upgrades we have coming. We haven't had an upgrade for quite some time. We'll keep pushing with what we have, but before too long, I'll just be saying, Focus on next year. So building foundations this year, learning about the tools in terms of structure, in terms of our processes, nailing those so when we arrive next year, we'll be with the car that we really want."

Lewis Hamilton signed a multi-year contract with Ferrari in 2025. Hence, he is most likely to continue driving in the reds next season despite a disappointing start to his Ferrari stint.