Hamilton's Move To Ferrari Has Potential To Be 'Best Thing In World' Says Villeneuve

Monday, 05 February 2024 at 00:00

Updated at Monday, 05 February 2024 at 00:01

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Formula 1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve reflected on Lewis Hamitlon's move to Ferrari, saying that finishing in style with the Red might be "the best thing in the World" for the 39-year-old.

The seven-time World Champion made one of the biggest moves of the century when he decided to quit Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season.

This means we will see Lewis Hamilton going toe-to-toe with the young Charles Leclerc. Put to him that a great battle is brewing at Ferrari, Jacques Villeneuve told La Gazzetta dello Sport:

"Exactly, between the man who has won seven World Championships and the driver who everyone treats as a champion even though he hasn’t yet managed to prove it."

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In fact, Charles Leclerc achieved only five Grand Prix wins until now. On the other hand, he already once proved he could match the pace of the World Champion when he raced alongside Sebastian Vettel.

The 26-year-old managed to beat the four-time World Champion in both of the seasons that they spent together. He impressed Vettel so much that he said the Monegasque driver was the most talented driver that he had come across in his 15 years of driving in F1.

Former F1 driver Romain Grosjean suggested Leclerc would be a good benchmark for Hamilton. He is 39 years old at the moment, so it will be interesting to see how he compares to one of the best young drivers on the grid. Villeneuve added:

"Two parties will be created at Maranello, as has already happened. But it will also be fun. If we rediscover the Lewis of the great days, it will be formidable, also because he has nothing to lose. And finishing in style with Ferrari is the best thing in the world."

Hamilton still aims for the eighth title, and his multi-year contract with Ferrari means he will have at least two seasons to do so. Could the 39-year-old get his record-breaking title with the red?