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Hamilton’s Ferrari Gamble: Villeneuve Hails Career-Defining Move as F1’s Biggest Test

Simon Monroy by Simon Monroy
November 19, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
Hamilton’s Ferrari Gamble: Villeneuve Hails Career-Defining Move as F1’s Biggest Test

Lewis Hamilton attends a premiere for the film 'Gladiator II', at TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, California, U.S., November 18, 2024. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Lewis Hamilton’s seismic decision to part ways with Mercedes after over two decades and multiple records to join Ferrari is sending shockwaves across the F1 paddock. With 104 poles, 105 victories, and seven world titles, Hamilton is heading to Maranello, where he hopes to etch his name into Ferrari’s storied legacy. Former F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve believes this bold move could solidify Hamilton’s status as the greatest driver of all time—if he can deliver a title in scarlet.


“Winning With Ferrari: The Ultimate Prize”

Villeneuve, whose father Gilles remains a Ferrari legend, sees Hamilton’s switch as the ultimate test. Speaking to Grosvenor Sport, Villeneuve said: “That is the next step for Hamilton to become the greatest driver ever. Winning again with Mercedes would not really serve any purpose. But winning with Ferrari? There’s nothing bigger in the world after everything he has achieved.”

Hamilton’s leap to Ferrari comes with considerable risk, given their inconsistent form in recent years. Yet Villeneuve believes this move was inevitable after Mercedes’ struggles with ground-effect regulations introduced in 2022: “When he signed, there was nothing to see. All he could see was where Mercedes had gone. It was time to move. Sometimes you go on a hunch, and you jump, and you hope the other ship is better.”

Villeneuve compared Hamilton’s Ferrari move to his controversial switch to Mercedes in 2013, which ultimately paid off: “He looked like a hero when he went to Mercedes, and people asked, ‘Is he crazy?’ It turned out to be the best decision of his career. Ferrari offers him the same chance to cement his legacy.”


A Ferrari Legacy on the Line

Villeneuve highlighted the sheer magnitude of Hamilton’s gamble, stating: “It’s Ferrari. It’s the biggest name in motorsport. Lewis is the biggest name in racing. Link the two, and it’s magic. If he wins, it’s game over—he’ll be untouchable as the sport’s greatest driver. But if he doesn’t, he still has all the records. The risk is worth it.”

Hamilton’s Ferrari debut will mark a clean slate. The Briton will face the challenge of adapting to a new team culture while leaving his trusted engineers and support staff at Mercedes behind. Villeneuve emphasized that starting fresh will be critical to his success: “When you do a big move like this, you start afresh. No old engineers or personal ties. This is about creating something new and proving himself all over again.”


A Fractured Final Chapter at Mercedes

Despite some standout moments in 2024, including wins at Silverstone and Spa, Hamilton’s final season with Mercedes has been marred by the team’s inability to produce a competitive car. Villeneuve attributes Hamilton’s recent lackluster performances to his focus on the future: “His heart and head are already at Ferrari. He knows he can’t win the championship this year with Mercedes, so why invest in building the car and team for someone else? He’s just finishing his contract.”


New Talent on the Horizon

Villeneuve also weighed in on Mercedes’ rising star Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who will debut alongside George Russell next season. “Mercedes has nurtured Antonelli for years. Toto Wolff sees him as a long-term project. His FP1 at Monza wasn’t perfect, but full race weekends will be a different story. We’ll see how F1 works out for him.”

Antonelli’s arrival represents Mercedes’ pivot toward youth, underscoring their readiness for a post-Hamilton era.


2025: A Defining Year for Hamilton and Ferrari

As Hamilton prepares to don Ferrari red, Villeneuve’s words underscore the enormity of the challenge ahead. With Ferrari steadily rebuilding its competitive edge, Hamilton’s gamble could either elevate him to unparalleled greatness or leave him as a driver who dared too much too late.

Villeneuve summed it up best: “Winning with Ferrari is the ultimate prize. It’s a gamble, but one worth taking. If anyone can pull it off, it’s Lewis Hamilton.”

The 2025 season awaits, and with it, the potential for Hamilton to redefine both his career and the legacy of Ferrari.

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