1997 Formula 1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve has issued a strong warning to Lewis Hamilton following a difficult start to his Ferrari journey. According to Villeneuve, if Hamilton continues on this trajectory, he could lose the trust and reputation he once commanded.
The 2025 F1 season has not begun as Lewis Hamilton had hoped. Ferrari, despite high expectations, has managed only one podium finish through Charles Leclerc in the first six races. Meanwhile, the team has fallen more than 150 points behind McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship. While Hamilton showed flashes of potential in sprint races, the overall picture remains disappointing.
Speaking to Vision4Sport, Villeneuve noted that Hamilton’s current demeanor might be damaging his standing within the team. “You can clearly see Lewis isn't happy. His constant apologetic tone in interviews is a worrying sign,” Villeneuve said, comparing Hamilton's mindset to that of Lando Norris during challenging periods.
“When a driver starts talking like that, it's a red flag. You're burnt out. People begin to lose trust in you and assume you're just there for the sake of being there,” Villeneuve added. He emphasized that this perception is particularly dangerous in a team like Ferrari, where passion and momentum are key.
“Ferrari is like a volcano — it needs sparks, fire, and spirit to keep going. If there's no spark, that's a serious problem. At Ferrari, you don’t have unlimited time,” he said, suggesting that the patience Hamilton enjoyed at Mercedes won’t be repeated.
Villeneuve recalled a brief moment of brilliance from Hamilton during the Chinese GP sprint race but noted the momentum didn’t carry through. “Joining Ferrari was supposed to be about a fresh start, a new energy. But now, the real test begins as the season returns to Europe,” he concluded. “Drivers had no time to breathe with such a hectic calendar. Let’s wait for Monaco — that’s where we’ll really see what’s going on.”