Hamilton’s Ferrari revival forces Juan Pablo Montoya to change key prediction

Montoya had previously joined the growing speculation that Hamilton could call time on his illustrious career at the end of the 2026 season, following the difficulties the Briton endured during his first year with the Scuderia Ferrari outfit.

Like several respected figures across the sport, the former Williams and McLaren driver believed Hamilton’s future could come into question if the new regulations failed to deliver a turnaround in fortunes after a challenging 2025 campaign. However, with Hamilton currently sitting second in the Drivers’ Championship standings, just 50 points behind Kimi Antonelli and still mathematically in contention for the title, Montoya no longer expects the Ferrari star to walk away anytime soon.

Speaking on the AS Colombia podcast, Montoya explained: “Hamilton isn’t leaving for at least two or three years. If Ferrari carries on as it is and Hamilton keeps performing like this, Hamilton won’t retire.”

However, Montoya also warned that Hamilton’s extended stay at Ferrari could create complications for the team’s young driver development programme, with emerging talents potentially missing out on opportunities.

“So, if you’ve got Hamilton for two or three years, the problem with that is that sooner or later someone even cooler will come along for Ferrari,” he continued.

Former Formula 1 driver Gerhard Berger has also expressed his delight at seeing Hamilton and Ferrari return to competitive form after a difficult opening chapter together that fell short of expectations. The Austrian admitted he has been pleased to see Ferrari fighting at the front of the grid again, while also highlighting his happiness for Hamilton after the struggles he faced during his maiden season in red.

Berger believes the Briton had to overcome both technical difficulties and the pressure of competing alongside a highly competitive teammate, but feels the seven-time champion is now beginning to rediscover the qualities that made him one of the sport’s greatest drivers. His comments come amid similar praise from fellow F1 veteran Stefan Johansson, who was left impressed by Hamilton’s performance at the Barcelona Grand Prix.

The former McLaren driver suggested that only drivers of Hamilton and Max Verstappen’s calibre possess the ability to capitalise on unlikely opportunities and transform them into race-winning performances, something Hamilton demonstrated during his victory at Montmelo.