Montoya's bold claim: 'Nobody will beat' Hamilton in a fast Ferrari

Ferrari fans, brace yourselves—because Juan Pablo Montoya believes Lewis Hamilton is still the driver to beat if the Scuderia delivers the right car.

In a bold claim that will excite Tifosi worldwide, the former F1 star insists that if Ferrari provides Hamilton with a competitive machine, even reigning champion Max Verstappen won’t be able to stop him.

Dismissing any talk of Hamilton's decline, Montoya insists that the seven-time world champion remains a force to be reckoned with, and that a competitive car from Ferrari would unleash the "old Hamilton" that dominated the sport for years.

"What happened to Lewis Hamilton is what happened to Fernando Alonso," Montoya told Crash.net, drawing a parallel between two legendary drivers.

"They still have 100 per cent of their speed, but they will still somehow qualify just in the top 10. If the car is capable of winning, then they would be much higher."

Fast Ferrari Will See old Hamilton return

This, according to Montoya, isn't a question of Hamilton's abilities waning, but simply a matter of having the right equipment.

And if Ferrari delivers? "If Hamilton has a fast car this season, we’ll see the old Hamilton from a few years ago, the Hamilton that nobody can beat, not even Max Verstappen,"

©Ferrari

The Colombian’s words will surely resonate with the Tifosi, who are yearning for a return to championship glory.

However, Montoya also raised a crucial question mark: "The real question for Ferrari is how will they keep him motivated?"

This hints at the challenge Ferrari faces in not only providing a winning car, but also creating an environment that fuels Hamilton's competitive spirit.

Teams Balancing 2025 and 2026 Efforts

Looking ahead to the 2026 regulation changes, Montoya offered his insights on the strategies of different teams.

"Ferrari are putting all their eggs in the basket so they can compete this season," he observed, suggesting a focused effort from the Scuderia.

He also noted that "Mercedes don’t have to risk much," potentially focusing on the 2026 reset, while "McLaren have a huge opportunity to keep dominating before the 2026 regulation changes, where they could become average."

Montoya's comments paint a tantalizing picture for Ferrari fans. If his predictions hold true, 2025 could be the year the "old Hamilton" returns, driving a scarlet red Ferrari to victory and silencing any doubters.

• Read also: Todt questions Ferrari’s Hamilton gamble: Is it really an upgrade?

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook