Juan Pablo Montoya says Lewis Hamilton would ‘win every race’ if F1 was all about batteries

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Juan Pablo Montoya says Ferrari are even better than Mercedes at recharging their F1 battery, and Lewis Hamilton is proof.

Mercedes clearly have the best power unit in Formula 1, but Montoya has heard that Ferrari and Red Bull may have the edge when it comes to energy harvesting. If true, their advantage lies elsewhere.

Hamilton has been involved in some of the most entertaining battles of the early races, most notably with Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc.

Even Racing Bulls boss Alan Permane admits he got ‘distracted’ from his own duties while watching the scarlet red cars duel.

Lewis Hamilton proves F1 isn’t a ‘battery world championship’

Speaking to AS Colombia, Montoya noted that Hamilton ‘always’ appears to have more battery at his disposal than his rivals. This reflects the strength of the Ferrari power unit and the 41-year-old’s swift adaptation to the new formula.

Previously, Montoya said Hamilton was ‘exploiting’ the new rules by attacking them in unconventional overtaking spots while they’re recovering energy.

Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso claims F1 is a ‘battery world championship’, having become almost 50% electric, but Montoya says Hamilton would be ‘winning every race’ if that were true.

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He said: “If it were just about recharging batteries, the Mercedes wouldn’t necessarily be so far ahead because, from what people are saying, Red Bull is one of the best at recharging their batteries, and Ferrari too.

“Look, Hamilton always has much more battery than the other drivers and he does a good job. So, based on that, Hamilton should be winning every race and he isn’t.”

Lewis Hamilton has highlighted the problem with Ferrari’s 2026 F1 engine

While Ferrari may excel at gathering energy, both drivers have reported issues with deployment.

Hamilton repeatedly complained about a lack of power on the straights during the Japanese GP, a race where he finished a frustrating sixth.

Ferrari will have access to ADUO – Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities – due to the gap to Mercedes. Deployment may be their main area of focus.

Like the rest of the teams, the Scuderia are awaiting clarification on potential changes to their rules. That will inevitably influence the development direction of their power unit.