The 1997 Formula 1 World Champion firmly believes that the combination of two enormous global brands – Ferrari and Hamilton – holds significance beyond the realm of sports. Villeneuve also shares the common sentiment that “F1 is a bunch of sharks” or Piranhas, implying that Hamilton owes nothing to Mercedes for leaving them.
Earlier this month, Ferrari orchestrated a monumental move in the world of F1 by successfully luring Hamilton away from his comfortable position at Mercedes, thereby altering his legacy with a final F1 adventure alongside one of the sport’s most prestigious teams. This move was clearly reflected in the surge of Ferrari shares following the announcement.
The impact of this move extended far beyond the F1 community, capturing global attention and becoming a viral sensation. Headlines continue to reverberate with news of this development and will undoubtedly persist until Hamilton dons the iconic Red of Ferrari and beyond.
During a discussion about Hamilton’s move to Ferrari with the Genting Casino team, Villeneuve expressed his astonishment, stating, “It’s incredible. The impact is already evident with the surge in Ferrari’s share value within 24 hours. This demonstrates the profound effect Hamilton’s announcement had. Ferrari’s value skyrocketed by $7 billion on the New York Stock Exchange.”
“When you consider this, it becomes apparent that Ferrari acquired Lewis at a bargain. Even after paying him, Lewis has already generated profits for Ferrari. That’s remarkable. Lewis is determined to secure his eighth championship, and he realized that he wouldn’t achieve that with Mercedes.”
“Although he is still capable of performing at that level, the chances of winning an eighth championship are slim. There are no concerns there. However, as demonstrated by Alonso, being in the right place at the right time is crucial. Lewis made a remarkable move from McLaren to Mercedes, and everyone thought he was crazy. Look at what happened – six championships in that partnership,” Villeneuve emphasized.
In addition to his seven F1 world titles, Hamilton already holds the record for the most Grand Prix victories with 103 and the most Pole Position starts with 104 before the 2024 season. This will be his final season with Mercedes, who do not appear to have a car capable of winning the F1 title, as evident in the upcoming Bahrain Grand Prix.
Villeneuve believes that Hamilton and Alonso have the talent to succeed at Ferrari. Racing for Ferrari comes with a different kind of pressure and attention. It’s not just a racing team, but a way of life in Italy. The team can quickly turn on you if you don’t perform well. Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is a big step in building his image, even if he doesn’t win his eighth championship. It’s also great for Ferrari’s image. Hamilton, who is known for his exceptional qualifying skills, will be partnering with Charles Leclerc, who is highly-rated and considered one of the best qualifiers among the young drivers, including Max Verstappen. The 14-year age gap between Hamilton and Leclerc sets the stage for an interesting working environment at Ferrari, where beating your teammate is a top priority. Carlos Sainz, who is currently Hamilton’s teammate, will be replaced by Hamilton next season. This change will bring a whole new dynamic for Leclerc to contend with, as he has been promoted as a champion but hasn’t fully proven himself yet. There seems to be a divide within Ferrari, with one camp protecting Leclerc and rushing to re-sign him before Hamilton’s arrival. Leclerc will have the opportunity to elevate his profile if he can beat Hamilton. Hamilton, on the other hand, has nothing to lose and his move to Ferrari has already boosted his image. It’s possible that we will see the amazing version of Hamilton again, as the past two years of not winning the championship have weighed him down. Winning his eighth title with Ferrari could solidify his status as the greatest of all time in Formula 1.
Villeneuve believes that if Lewis Hamilton manages to win the championship with Ferrari, it would solidify his position at the top. This move to Ferrari came as a shock to the F1 world, with many considering it the most significant news in the sport’s history. Hamilton’s switch from Mercedes, the team that had supported him since his karting days, marked the end of a remarkable legacy. The impact of this decision on Mercedes cannot be overlooked, as their star asset has defected to their rivals. However, it is clear that Hamilton’s desire to end his F1 career driving for Ferrari was irresistible.
Mercedes may feel aggrieved by Hamilton’s departure, but Villeneuve argues that the driver has always prioritized his own interests. F1 is a business, and Hamilton owes nothing to Mercedes. While they have provided him with a lot, he has also given them a great deal in return. The clause allowing him to leave was there for a reason, and Villeneuve does not view Hamilton’s decision as a negative action.
The departure of Hamilton will undoubtedly have an impact on Mercedes, potentially affecting the motivation and dedication of those within the team. On the other hand, Ferrari is expected to experience an exciting and energetic atmosphere. The presence of Jock Clear, who previously worked as Hamilton’s engineer at Mercedes, adds an intriguing dynamic. It remains to be seen whether Clear will continue to work with Charles Leclerc or reunite with Hamilton, but either scenario would be remarkable.
In this equation, Carlos Sainz is the odd man out. As a result of Hamilton’s arrival, Sainz will need to find a new team. Villeneuve suggests that Sainz is unlikely to do any favors for Ferrari, as he was not treated well by the team. The situation surrounding Sainz adds an additional layer of intrigue to the unfolding narrative.