Jacques Villeneuve backs Lewis Hamilton and says Ferrari move was the perfect choice

Jacques Villeneuve dismisses Lewis Hamilton retirement claims and backs Ferrari decision

Former Formula 1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve has firmly defended Lewis Hamilton, arguing that the seven-time champion remains one of the sport’s elite drivers and insisting that his decision to join Ferrari was the right move despite the criticism that surrounded the transfer.

When Lewis Hamilton announced his blockbuster switch from Mercedes to Ferrari, opinions across the Formula 1 paddock were divided. While many viewed the move as one of the biggest stories in modern F1 history, others questioned whether the British driver had arrived too late in his career, suggesting that retirement would have been a more fitting way to protect his remarkable legacy.

Jacques Villeneuve, however, has never shared that opinion. The 1997 Formula 1 World Champion believes that judging a driver solely on a difficult period ignores years of proven excellence, arguing that exceptional talent does not simply disappear after a few challenging seasons.

Jacques Villeneuve criticises calls for Lewis Hamilton to retire

Speaking during an appearance on the Sky Sports F1 Show, Jacques Villeneuve questioned the widespread belief that great champions should step away from the sport while they are still at the very top of their game.

According to the Canadian, those arguments are driven more by the emotions of fans than by the ambitions of the drivers themselves. In his view, supporters often prefer to preserve a perfect memory of their sporting heroes rather than accept that every athlete experiences both highs and lows during a long career.

Jacques Villeneuve suggested that many fans struggle to watch legendary competitors endure difficult moments, leading them to call for retirement simply to preserve the image they already have of those champions.

Throughout the more difficult years at Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton continued to fight at the front whenever circumstances allowed, consistently demonstrating the determination and competitive spirit that have defined his Formula 1 career.

Ferrari offered Lewis Hamilton a unique challenge

Rather than viewing the Ferrari move as a risk, Jacques Villeneuve believes it represented one of the most exciting opportunities available to Lewis Hamilton.

Joining Formula 1’s most iconic team gave the seven-time World Champion the chance to become part of another historic chapter by helping return Ferrari to championship-winning form after several seasons of frustration.

For a driver motivated by competition rather than comfort, the opportunity to contribute to Ferrari’s rebuilding process offered a challenge that few other careers in motorsport could provide.

Jacques Villeneuve also pointed out that there was little logic in expecting Lewis Hamilton to walk away from Formula 1 while he still possessed both the motivation and the ability to compete at the highest level. From his perspective, as long as the desire to race remains, there is no compelling reason for a driver of Lewis Hamilton’s calibre to retire.

Lewis Hamilton has already answered many of his critics

The opening stages of the 2026 Formula 1 season have strengthened Jacques Villeneuve’s argument.

Lewis Hamilton has gradually become more comfortable with the Ferrari SF-26, producing increasingly competitive performances and securing his first Grand Prix victory for the Scuderia in Barcelona. The result represented a significant milestone after a difficult first campaign with Ferrari and demonstrated that the partnership is beginning to deliver on its enormous potential.

His victory carried even greater significance considering that, one year earlier, his Barcelona weekend had been compromised by an incident that prevented him from fighting at the front.

Alongside Lewis Hamilton’s progress, Ferrari has also continued improving the SF-26 through a steady development programme, allowing both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to fight more consistently near the front of the grid as the season has progressed.

Talent does not disappear overnight

For Jacques Villeneuve, Lewis Hamilton’s resurgence reinforces a simple belief: genuine talent is not something that suddenly vanishes with age.

The Canadian argued that elite drivers can experience periods where circumstances prevent them from delivering results, but that should not be confused with a loss of ability. Experience, determination and motivation remain decisive qualities in modern Formula 1, particularly during an era of constant technical development.

Lewis Hamilton’s performances in Ferrari colours have already forced many observers to reassess their earlier predictions. By continuing to compete at the highest level and proving capable of winning races again, the seven-time World Champion has shown that dedication, preparation and relentless commitment can still produce results.

With Ferrari continuing to narrow the gap to the front and both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc pushing the team’s development forward, Jacques Villeneuve believes the decision to join the Scuderia will ultimately be remembered as a bold and worthwhile chapter in one of Formula 1’s greatest careers rather than the final act many critics once predicted.