Montoya: Verstappen's Transition Plan Avoids Hamilton's Ferrari Struggles

Juan Pablo Montoya has praised Max Verstappen and Red Bull for their adept handling of Gianpiero Lambiase's impending departure to McLaren. According to Montoya, this proactive approach will help Verstappen sidestep the issues Lewis Hamilton faced when he switched to Ferrari without a solid engineer relationship.

Since 2016, Lambiase has been a fixture in Verstappen's corner, their partnership almost as enduring as a long-term marriage. However, this chapter concludes at the end of the 2026 season as Lambiase prepares to take on a new challenge at McLaren. Although Red Bull initially intended to hold Lambiase to his contract until 2027, the team has now come to terms with his departure potentially as early as next season.

In a savvy move, Red Bull has already selected Tom Hart as Lambiase’s successor. Hart has been given a head start, taking over the race engineering duties in three of the last six races this season, including the United States and Sao Paulo Grands Prix. This early exposure allows Hart to build a rapport with Verstappen, which Montoya suggests is invaluable for on-track performance.

Montoya highlighted how Red Bull’s strategy contrasts sharply with Hamilton's experience at Ferrari. When Hamilton joined Ferrari in 2025, he faced a challenging adjustment period with his then-engineer Riccardo Adami. The situation led to friction, prompting Hamilton to switch to Carlo Santi in 2026. Yet, even in the latest Sao Paulo GP, their communication still showed signs of strain.

Montoya noted, "A good driver-engineer relationship can make up to a 10% difference in performance. Red Bull's decision to start the transition early is very strategic, ensuring a seamless handover from Lambiase to Hart."

Lambiase's move to McLaren ends a decade-long collaboration with Verstappen. Meanwhile, Hart, who has been part of Verstappen’s engineering team since 2020, was convinced to stay at Red Bull despite an offer from Williams. This existing relationship provides a smoother transition, unlike Hamilton’s rocky start at Ferrari.

Hamilton’s first year with Ferrari was marked by clashes with Adami, and even with Santi, the relationship hasn't fully gelled. During the recent Sao Paulo GP, Hamilton expressed surprise over a miscommunication about his position relative to McLaren’s Lando Norris.

In summary, Montoya believes Red Bull's foresight in integrating Tom Hart early is a masterstroke, ensuring Verstappen won't face the same challenges Hamilton did. This preparation underscores the importance of a well-managed driver-engineer partnership in achieving success on the track.