Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Move Could End Max Verstappen’s Reign – Ex-F1 Star’s Bold Prediction

The 2025 Formula 1 season is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent history, and former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has made a bold claim that could send shockwaves through the paddock. Montoya believes that Max Verstappen, who has dominated the sport for the past four years, will struggle to defend his title in 2025—and that Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari will prove to be the defining factor.

Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive world championship with Red Bull in 2024, but his dominance was tested in the latter half of the season by McLaren’s rising star, Lando Norris. With McLaren expected to be a strong contender again, and Hamilton now in Ferrari red, Montoya is convinced that the Dutchman’s title streak will come to an end.

Speaking to reporters, Montoya confidently stated, “Verstappen is not going to be a problem for Lewis this year. I would be surprised if Red Bull came out to fight like in recent years.”

Montoya, who won seven Grand Prix races between 2001 and 2006, pointed to Red Bull’s struggles in the latter stages of 2024 as a sign that their reign may be fading. While Verstappen has been nearly untouchable over the last few seasons, Montoya believes that the defending champion could be in for a difficult year.

A Shift in Power?

Since his controversial victory over Hamilton in the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Verstappen has largely dictated the pace in Formula 1. However, Montoya suggests that cracks may be forming in Red Bull’s foundation. “If you keep going based on wrong principles, you’re never going to get out of the hole. And that hole can be very deep, that’s the problem,” he warned.

Red Bull’s late-season performances in 2024 raised eyebrows, as McLaren and Ferrari began closing the gap. Montoya believes that Hamilton’s presence at Ferrari will only accelerate this shift. The seven-time world champion, eager to capture an unprecedented eighth title, has the experience and determination to challenge Verstappen’s supremacy.

Montoya also highlighted Verstappen’s temperament as a potential weakness. “Max doesn’t like to lose, and Max is a guy who would rather crash than let himself be beaten. We saw it at the end of last year, when he did things that surprised people. We were wondering: ‘Why did he do that?’”

Hamilton’s Redemption Arc

Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari marks the beginning of a new chapter in his illustrious career. After enduring three disappointing seasons with Mercedes, the British driver is ready to fight at the front again. His arrival at Ferrari has created a formidable partnership with Charles Leclerc, and the team is determined to end Red Bull’s reign.

Ferrari’s 2025 challenger, the SF-25, has shown promising signs during private testing, and Hamilton is reportedly thrilled with the car’s potential. With Ferrari’s rich history and a car that could match Red Bull’s performance, Montoya believes Hamilton has a golden opportunity to reclaim his spot at the top.

“When he went up against Lewis [in 2021] and took no prisoners, everyone thought: ‘Oh, great. Finally, someone is standing up to Hamilton.’ Now the positions are reversed,” Montoya said, implying that Verstappen may not handle the pressure as well as Hamilton did in previous years.

A Season of High Stakes

As pre-season testing begins in Bahrain, all eyes are on the top teams to see how they stack up. Ferrari’s resurgence, McLaren’s continued rise, and Red Bull’s potential vulnerabilities set the stage for an explosive season.

Montoya’s prediction adds another layer of intrigue to what is already shaping up to be a historic year in Formula 1. If Hamilton can adapt quickly to his new team and car, he could be Verstappen’s biggest threat. On the other hand, if Red Bull finds a way to maintain its dominance, Verstappen may yet prove his critics wrong.

With the first race of the season scheduled for March 16 in Australia, fans won’t have to wait long to see whether Montoya’s forecast will come true. One thing is certain: the battle for the 2025 championship is set to be one of the most thrilling in years.