P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lewis Hamilton could retire if Ferrari F1 struggles continue in 2026, reckons JP Montoya
Juan Pablo Montoya believes Lewis Hamilton may consider leaving Formula 1 if he continues to struggle at Ferrari during the 2026 regulation cycle. Despite high expectations, Hamilton has faced challenges at Ferrari, unable to consistently outperform teammate Charles Leclerc. While Leclerc has achieved multiple podium finishes, Hamilton’s performances have been mixed, with few top results. Montoya suggests Hamilton is determined to succeed with Ferrari but may rethink his future if significant progress is not made in 2026. The relationship between Hamilton and Ferrari’s engineers is critical for improving the car’s performance, with Montoya emphasizing the need for collaboration and a focus on team goals. Despite setbacks, such as the Canadian GP incident, Montoya sees potential for Hamilton to excel with Ferrari if the team optimizes the car to suit his driving style and needs.
