Lewis Hamilton (GBR) of Mercedes AMG F1 will be joining Charles Leclerc (MON) of Ferrari for the Formula 1 World Championship next season. This move by Ferrari to secure Leclerc with a long-term contract before signing Hamilton for 2025 is seen as a strategic decision by Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 Formula 1 champion. Prior to the announcement of Hamilton’s signing, Ferrari had already extended Leclerc’s contract beyond this year.
Villeneuve believes that Leclerc should see this as an opportunity to compete against the seven-time champion and praises Ferrari’s negotiation tactics. Toto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, admitted that they were surprised by the timing of the decision and suggests that Leclerc could have been an option for Mercedes.
Villeneuve dismisses any concerns about Leclerc’s position in the team, stating that Hamilton’s success speaks for itself and Ferrari made a smart move by securing him with a long contract. He hopes that Hamilton’s move to Ferrari will reignite his competitiveness and looks forward to the potential rivalry between Hamilton and Leclerc within the team.
Villeneuve acknowledges that tensions may arise at Ferrari with the arrival of Hamilton, but he finds it entertaining and believes it could lead to a formidable competition. He sees it as a chance for Hamilton to showcase his skills and believes that ending his career with Ferrari would be the best outcome for him.
Source: motorsportweek.com
