All of Lewis Hamilton’s frustration
The words of discouragement spoken by Lewis Hamilton at the end of the Las Vegas Grand Prix were always destined to make noise. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion, who after yet another disastrous weekend admitted that he “can’t wait for the season to end,” but also that he is “not too eager for the next one to begin,” immediately ignited debate throughout the paddock. Many observers are convinced that these statements could even be the first signs of a shocking decision to retire, despite his remaining two years on his contract with Ferrari.
Jacques Villeneuve speaks out
Among those critical of Sir Lewis Hamilton’s attitude is Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 Formula 1 world champion, who discussed the situation with CanadaCasino.ca. The Canadian former racing driver stated: “We have heard things like this from Lewis Hamilton quite often this year… You can feel his skepticism, you can feel it in those types of comments regarding 2026. It’s not a good situation, also because now he will start looking in the mirror and thinking: ‘Why am I being beaten by my teammate?’. You start doubting everything. This makes it very difficult to drive at your best. He worked hard to change the way the team operates and there were moments when it seemed to work, but now he looks tired. I think he really hopes the new rules will suit him and the car next year.” – Jacques Villeneuve pointed out after the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
He continued, adding: “I didn’t interpret his latest comments as an accusation against the car. They sound more like generic things to me; he’s not saying ‘The car is terrible and I’m good’… There is instead a general frustration. He’s saying he’s going through a difficult moment and it seems he’s not sure why. Obviously his teammate has been fast, and the natural reaction when you see Charles Leclerc beating you should be to work even harder to make the car and the team your own, also because the balance has now shifted toward Leclerc. So he is the one the team will be focusing on, and when that starts to happen, then Lewis Hamilton will simply have to work more to bring the team back to his side. It’s natural; teams always gravitate toward the driver who is in front.” – the 1997 Formula 1 world champion concluded.
