F1 News: Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari Switch Will Re-Ignite His Hunger To Win - Former Driver
Former Formula 1 champion Jacques Villeneuve observed that Lewis Hamilton became complacent during his time at Mercedes when winning championships became routine, particularly alongside former teammate Valtteri Bottas. Villeneuve anticipates that Hamilton's move to Ferrari next year might reignite his competitive spirit and drive to win races.
Key Takeaways:
- Former F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve suggests Lewis Hamilton grew complacent at Mercedes, especially alongside Valtteri Bottas, and hopes his move to Ferrari will reignite his competitive drive.
- Hamilton faced a wake-up call when George Russell joined Mercedes in 2022, outperforming him in points during his debut year.
- Hamilton's lackluster performances could stem from Red Bull's dominance and issues with Mercedes' car over the past three years. He anticipates Hamilton's move to Ferrari will revive his hunger for victory.
After enjoying his glory days alongside Bottas, Hamilton received a teammate who was young and hungry to prove his might which, as per Villeneuve, was a wake-up call for the seven-time world champion to pull his socks up and rise beyond his comfort zone.
Russell surpassed Hamilton in total points during his debut year with Mercedes in 2022, although Hamilton regained the lead the following year, albeit without securing a victory.
While his dry runs could be attributed to Red Bull's dominance of Formula 1 in the ground effect era, Villeneuve feels that the zeal to win is no longer there, currently. Explaining the gravity of the situation, the former driver told GPFans:
"It's hard for a driver when you've spent years winning, and some years easy winning, especially when you had Bottas as a teammate.
"He was alone in the championship, basically. He didn't even need to be at his best to win like he had to do in his first championship. Or a few other years against Nico because Nico was really pushing him.
"He got really comfortable with Bottas, and he had a little bit of a wake-up call in 2022 when George [Russell] joined.
"George just had that young energy, wanting to destroy the world, and he did a lot better last year."
Suggesting that Hamilton's Ferrari move could set things right, he added with much optimism:
"It's one of the best news we've had in a long, long time.
"Whether you're a fan of Lewis or not, it's huge news. It's amazing news for F1, for Ferrari, and for Lewis. It's good for everyone.
"It will be exciting to follow, and hopefully, we get the Lewis of his winning days back.
"That change might build up the hunger again, that little adrenaline rush that wasn't there with the Mercedes that wasn't winning anymore."