In an unexpected twist, Jacques Villeneuve has speculated that Lewis Hamilton’s recent triumph at the British Grand Prix won’t be his last with Mercedes, even as he braces for an “emotional rollercoaster” with his upcoming move to Ferrari.
Lewis Hamilton’s masterful navigation of the capricious weather at Silverstone led to his 104th career win, marking his first victory since the intense 2021 championship rivalry with Max Verstappen. Hamilton, openly reflecting on the journey, admitted to moments of self-doubt since then, wondering if he’d ever reclaim his former glory. His success comes as he prepares to part ways with Mercedes, a team he’s been with since 2012, switching allegiance to Ferrari in a multi-year agreement.
Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 World Champion, anticipates a tumultuous yet rewarding tenure for Hamilton at Ferrari. ‘He seems to be very emotional in his driving,’ Villeneuve remarked. His consistent swings in mood, which sometimes suggest self-doubt, might make the transition challenging. Villeneuve highlighted Hamilton’s focused performance at Silverstone as a return to form, contrasting with a season dominated by Max Verstappen’s steadiness.
Villeneuve is confident that the British Grand Prix win isn’t Hamilton’s swan song with Mercedes. ‘He still has the drive to succeed,’ he asserted, noting Mercedes’ recent improvements that could foster more victories this year. The car has evolved significantly post-Monaco, aligning with McLaren’s trajectory, placing them in a position to challenge Red Bull’s dominance.
The emotional toll of racing is evident, as Villeneuve noted, especially in the demanding 2021 season. However, Hamilton’s ability to harness his emotions positively, particularly during high-stakes moments like the rain-soaked Silverstone race, underscores his championship mettle. This adaptability could be crucial as he ventures into Ferrari’s competitive environment, where the passionate Tifosi await.
As Lewis Hamilton gears up for his new chapter with Ferrari, Villeneuve’s predictions reflect both optimism and caution. Hamilton’s ability to overcome emotional swings and capitalize on evolving race conditions suggests that more victories could be on the horizon, given Mercedes’ current momentum.
