F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve analysed the recent statements made by Lewis Hamilton in regards to his partnership with Ferrari. The former F1 World Champion, IndyCar title holder and Indy 500 winner attempted to throw some light on the apparent discrepancy between Hamilton and the Italian team.
Ahead of the F1 Dutch GP, the 7-time world champion shared some hard realisations he has made since joining Ferrari at the beginning of this year. It is abundantly clear that Hamilton had a harder time than expected this season. Coming into this weekend with only 109 points, his debut season with Ferrari was less than he imagined.
The multifaceted disappointment at Ferrari
During a discussion on Sky Sports F1 ahead of FP1, the 1997 champion went over the possible reasons as to why the Ferrari-Hamilton move is not giving results. Villeneuve’s opinion of the issues that Lewis Hamilton is still facing after half a season of racing in F1 for Ferrari is quite brutal.
“They’re not getting what they signed. So there will be some frustration in there from both camps. From the team, from Lewis, because he’s not getting the car he was wanting. He doesn’t feel the team is behind him,” explained the Canadian, emphasising the lack of expectations met on both sides.
Moreover, Jacques Villeneuve furthered his claim by pointing out the absence of proper communication and chemistry.
“The team doesn’t feel Lewis is with them. It’s not gelling, and you can hear it when he’s communicating with his engineer on race day. There’s no chemistry, none at all.”
This phenomenon can be observed especially during the races on Sunday. Hamilton was spotted multiple times on the radio disagreeing with calls, whether on strategy or team orders.
The miscommunication between drivers and Ferrari
It is no secret that the Briton is not to only one who struggles to be understood at the Scuderia. According to Villeneuve, Hamilton’s teammate, Charles Leclerc, can relate to his issues with Ferrari and communication.
“It’s as if they’re on a different planet, and they don’t even communicate to each other. But the same is true with Leclerc and his engineer.”
The F1 expert even said these problems are the reason the Scuderia seems stuck behind other teams.
“There’s something really odd happening in that team that is not progressing in the right direction.”
Getting into Hamilton’s statements ahead of the F1 Dutch GP weekend, Villeneuve wholeheartedly stated that the Briton does not appear believable in his optimistic explanations. Referring to the interviews he has given throughout the first half of 2025, the Canadian drew some severe conclusions.
“And when you hear Lewis’s interviews, he doesn’t seem excited. He doesn’t seem to believe what he says. It’s as if he doesn’t want to go to work. It’s really, really strange.”
The importance of faith
While not much can change for the second half of the F1 season, Jacques Villeneuve believes Hamilton’s first year with Ferrari is pretty much “done“. Nevertheless, there is hope for the Briton for next year. As new regulations will be instated, Hamilton could possibly benefit from those changes.
“Now, 2026 is coming. He knows that will be a new season. You know, this year is done. He’s focusing on 2026.
“But for that, you need to make sure that it will be your car. It will be your team,” ended Villeneuve, giving out some advice and expertise to his fellow world champion.
