Montoya predicts Hamilton will seek F1 'revenge' at Ferrari

Juan Pablo Montoya expects Lewis Hamilton to be back to his formidable best when he joins Ferrari next season.

The 39-year-old is leaving Mercedes after 12 years and has struggled to capture his championship-winning form since losing out to Max Verstappen in 2021, winning his first race in 945 days at the British GP earlier this season. 

Whilst that is in large part due to the difficulties the Brackley-based team has endured through the contemporary ground-effect era, moving to Maranello provides the seven-time drivers' champion a fresh start.

Montoya, who won six grand prix and raced for Williams and McLaren, expects to see a revitalised Hamilton, arguing if the Scuderia can produce a competitive car, the British driver can be in the title fight.

“I think we’ll see the Lewis of old," the 49-year-old told Gambling Zone.

"He's going to be out with [for] revenge to prove everybody wrong and show everybody they were wrong about him.

"I think if everything lines up, I think Lewis can be a huge threat for a championship."

When Hamilton switches to Ferrari, he will bring with him a wealth of experience and expertise, having raced in F1 since 2007.

Whilst it has been on an upward trajectory this season, taking three victories at the hands of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, Montoya wagers the Italian team would do well to take on board any advice or input from Hamilton.

The Colombian has called for the Scuderia's 2025 F1 challenger to be constructed with the 105-time grand prix winner in mind if it is to claim its first title since winning the constructors' crown in 2008.

“If Ferrari really wants to succeed, they really need to listen to what Lewis needs and build a car around him that Lewis wants," he concluded.