Formula 1 champion Jacques Villeneuve believes that Lewis Hamilton may have a rebirth 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 energy and competitiveness of the 39-year-old driver. Villeneuve suggests that Ferrari may be the change that Hamilton needs.
During his five seasons with Mercedes, Hamilton seemed 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 stand out in the sport. As a result, the seven-time world champion performed better against Russell last season. Villeneuve now speculates that Ferrari may provide Hamilton with the shock he needs to regain his youthful attitude in 2025. Hamilton referred to his move to Scuderia Ferrari as a childhood dream and signed a $430 million contract 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 trailing behind Red Bull and Ferrari this year, it seems that Hamilton will go another season without a win.
Villeneuve finds it intriguing the prospect of Hamilton racing for Ferrari. The Canadian hopes that the seven-time world champion will return to winning ways once he joins the Prancing Horse. As Hamilton embarks on a new project with Ferrari, he may feel rejuvenated.
Undoubtedly, Hamilton will have great aspirations for his next season at Ferrari. However, for now, the seven-time world champion will be focused on ending his time at Mercedes on a high, potentially securing a victory this season. It remains to be seen how things will unfold for Hamilton this year.
