The 1997 Formula 1 World Champion firmly believes that the combination of two enormous global brands – Ferrari and Hamilton – has significance beyond the world 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 change in the world of F1 by successfully attracting Hamilton from his comfortable position at Mercedes, thus altering his legacy with one last adventure in F1 alongside one of the sport’s most prestigious teams. This change was clearly reflected in the increase in Ferrari’s shares after the announcement.
The impact of this change has extended far beyond the F1 community, capturing global attention and becoming a viral sensation. Headlines continue to resonate with news of this development and will certainly 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 surprise, stating: “It’s incredible. The impact is already evident with the increase in the value of Ferrari’s shares in 24 hours. This demonstrates the profound effect Hamilton’s announcement had. Ferrari’s value skyrocketed $7 billion on the New York Stock Exchange.”
“When you consider that, it becomes evident that Ferrari acquired Lewis for a bargain price. Even after paying him, Lewis has already generated profits for Ferrari. That’s remarkable. Lewis is determined to secure his eighth championship and realized he couldn’t do that with Mercedes.”
“While 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 what happened – six championships in that partnership,” Villeneuve emphasized.
In addition to his seven F1 World Championships, Hamilton already holds the record for the most Grand Prix victories with 103 and the most pole positions with 104 before the 2024 season. This will be his last season with Mercedes, which does not seem to have a car capable of winning the F1 title, as evidenced 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 lifestyle in Italy. The team can quickly turn against 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, known for his exceptional qualifying skills, will be joining Charles Leclerc, who is highly rated and considered one of the best qualifiers among young drivers, including Max Verstappen. The 14-year age difference 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 face, as he has been promoted as a champion but has not yet fully proven himself. There seems to be a division within Ferrari, with one group protecting Leclerc and rushing to renew his contract 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. We may see the incredible version of Hamilton again, as the past two years without winning the championship have left him overwhelmed. 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 caught the F1 world by surprise, with many considering it the most significant news in the history of the sport. Hamilton’s switch from Mercedes, the team that supported him since his karting days, marked the end of a remarkable legacy. The impact of this decision on Mercedes cannot be ignored, as their main asset joined their rivals. However, it is clear that Hamilton’s desire to end his F1 career driving for Ferrari was irresistible.
Mercedes may feel disadvantaged 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. Although they have provided him with a lot, he has also given them a lot in return. The clause that allows him to leave was there for a reason, and Villeneuve does not see Hamilton’s decision as a negative action.
Hamilton’s departure will certainly 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 environment. 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 noteworthy.
In this equation, Carlos Sainz is the excluded one. 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 has not been treated well by the team. The situation surrounding Sainz adds an additional layer of intrigue to the developing narrative.
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Football star Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick in his debut for his new club, Manchester United. The 36-year-old Portuguese player was the standout performer in the match against Newcastle United, valid for the Premier League. With a brilliant performance, Ronaldo showed that he is still in top form and promises to be a heavyweight addition to the English team.
Ronaldo’s first goal came at the 45th minute of the first half, with a beautiful free-kick. The second goal was scored at the 62nd minute, after an individual play in which the player dribbled past two opponents and finished with precision. The third goal came at the 80th minute, in a quick counter-attack. With these three goals, Ronaldo helped Manchester United win the match 3-1.
The Manchester United fans were ecstatic with Cristiano Ronaldo’s debut and spared no praise for the player. On social media, the club’s fans expressed their happiness at having him back and highlighted the importance of his presence on the field. In addition, the sports media is already speculating about the impact Ronaldo will have on the team’s performance throughout the season.
With the victory over Newcastle United, Manchester United remains at the top of the Premier League, with 12 points in four games. The team’s next challenge will be against West Ham on September 19. The expectation is that Cristiano Ronaldo will continue to shine and help the team achieve more victories.
