F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve believes that Lewis Hamilton could experience a revival when he joins Ferrari in 2025. Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will part ways with Mercedes after the 2024 season, as the seven-time world champion has signed a long-term contract with Scuderia Ferrari starting in 2025. However, there are concerns about the 39-year-old’s energy and competitiveness. Villeneuve suggests that Ferrari might be the change Hamilton needs.
During his five seasons with Mercedes, Hamilton appeared to be quite relaxed. He won four titles during that period without facing much competition from his teammate. However, Villeneuve believes that Russell served as a wake-up call for Hamilton in their first season as teammates in 2022. The former F1 champion claims that Hamilton had to match the energy of his new teammate, who was eager to excel in the sport. As a result, the seven-time world champion performed better against Russell last season. Villeneuve now speculates that Ferrari might provide Hamilton with the shock he needs to regain his youthful attitude in 2025. Hamilton has referred to his move to Scuderia Ferrari as a childhood dream and has signed a $430 million deal with the team.
Since the implementation of the 2022 regulations, the seven-time world champion has struggled to compete at the front of the grid. In fact, Hamilton’s most recent victory was in 2021. With Mercedes falling behind Red Bull and Ferrari this year, it appears that Hamilton will endure another season without a win.
Villeneuve finds the prospect of Hamilton racing for Ferrari intriguing. The Canadian hopes that the seven-time world champion will return to his winning ways once he joins the Prancing Horse. As Hamilton embarks on a new project with Ferrari, he may find himself rejuvenated.
Undoubtedly, Hamilton will have high aspirations for his upcoming tenure at Ferrari. However, for now, the seven-time world champion will be focused on finishing his time with Mercedes on a high note, potentially securing a victory this season. It remains to be seen how things will unfold for Hamilton this year.