Jacques Villeneuve Defends Hamilton Against ‘Short-Sighted’ Dismissal: F1 Champion Hits Back at Critics

Former Formula 1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve has fiercely defended Lewis Hamilton amid ongoing criticism, slamming what he calls a “short-sighted” dismissal of the seven-time world champion’s abilities and impact on the sport. The 1997 F1 champion believes that Hamilton remains one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport and warns that doubting his future in F1 is both premature and misguided.

A Divisive Debate Over Hamilton’s Legacy and Form

Hamilton, now in the latter years of his career, has faced increasing scrutiny, particularly following Mercedes’ struggles in recent seasons. The dominance he once enjoyed has faded as Red Bull and Max Verstappen have taken control of the grid, leaving some to question whether Hamilton’s best days are behind him. His winless streak, stretching back to 2021, has only fueled speculation about whether he remains a genuine title contender.

Villeneuve, however, is having none of it. The outspoken Canadian, known for his candid opinions, has come to Hamilton’s defense, dismissing the notion that the British driver is past his prime or that his success was purely the result of Mercedes’ superior machinery.

“it’s incredibly short-sighted to write off a driver like Lewis Hamilton just because he hasn’t been winning,” Villeneuve told reporters. “Formula 1 is cyclical. Even the greatest champions go through tough periods. That doesn’t mean they’ve lost their talent. It means the sport evolves, teams shift in performance, and right now, Red Bull is the dominant force. If you put Hamilton in a competitive car, he’d be fighting at the front, no question.”

Mercedes Struggles and Hamilton’s Commitment

Hamilton’s challenges in the past two seasons have been well-documented. Since the controversial conclusion of the 2021 season, where he lost the championship to Verstappen in Abu Dhabi under highly debated circumstances, Mercedes has struggled to produce a car capable of consistently challenging for wins. The team’s radical design philosophy for the W13 and W14 cars failed to deliver the expected results, leaving Hamilton and his teammate George Russell often battling in the midfield rather than at the front.

Despite these setbacks, Hamilton has remained resolute in his commitment to the sport. He recently signed a new multi-year contract with Mercedes, signaling his belief in the team’s ability to turn things around. Villeneuve sees this as further proof that Hamilton still has the hunger and skill to fight for championships.

“If Lewis was losing motivation, he wouldn’t have signed a new deal,” Villeneuve added. “He has nothing left to prove, but he still wants to fight. That tells you everything you need to know about his mentality. He’s not just here to make up the numbers—he believes in his ability and in Mercedes’ project.”

A Pattern in F1’s History?

Villeneuve also pointed to historical examples of great drivers who faced similar downturns in their careers before bouncing back. He referenced the likes of Michael Schumacher, who endured a title drought with Ferrari before dominating the early 2000s, and even Fernando Alonso, who, despite years of struggles, is now enjoying a resurgence with Aston Martin.

“People said Schumacher was finished in the late ‘90s, and then look what he did with Ferrari,” Villeneuve said. “People wrote off Alonso, and now he’s back at the front. It happens to all the greats. Hamilton is no different.”

Criticism of Hamilton’s Impact on F1

Aside from performance-related scrutiny, Hamilton has also faced criticism from certain quarters regarding his influence off the track. Some detractors have accused him of focusing too much on activism, fashion, and other endeavors outside of racing. However, Villeneuve believes this line of criticism is unwarranted.

“What Lewis has done for the sport is massive,” Villeneuve stated. “He’s broken records, but more importantly, he’s brought new audiences to F1, fought for diversity, and used his platform for positive change. People who dismiss that are missing the bigger picture. The sport is better because of him.”

The Future: Can Hamilton Win Again?

While Villeneuve remains convinced that Hamilton still has what it takes to compete at the highest level, the real question is whether Mercedes can provide him with the machinery to do so. The 2024 season is expected to be crucial in determining whether the Silver Arrows can close the gap to Red Bull and Ferrari.

Villeneuve is optimistic but pragmatic: “Mercedes knows what they need to do. If they get it right, Hamilton will be back in the mix. But if they don’t, then we may see him make a tough decision about his future. Regardless, dismissing him now is a mistake.”

Final Verdict: Don’t Count Hamilton Out

As the debate over Hamilton’s legacy and future continues, Villeneuve’s words serve as a stark reminder that true champions should never be underestimated. Whether he returns to winning ways in 2024 or not, Hamilton’s impact on F1 remains undeniable.

For now, one thing is clear—Jacques Villeneuve believes that writing off Lewis Hamilton is not just premature but downright foolish.