After Lewis Hamilton seized the opening triumph at the Barcelona‑Catalunya Circuit, former champion Jacques Villeneuve urged Ferrari to back the British driver for a 2026 campaign.
Ferrari’s Focus on Hamilton
Villeneuve compared the Italian outfit’s potential support for Hamilton to Mercedes’ current intra‑team tussle between Kimi Antonelli and George Russell. He argued that the team has the leeway to prioritize one driver, unlike Mercedes, where a decisive shift is not yet feasible.
The former champion highlighted Hamilton’s proven race‑winning instincts and the importance of unwavering support if Ferrari aims for a podium finish. He suggested Hamilton’s recent breakout win and the 40‑point toll it put on teammate Charles Leclerc should inspire a strategic pivot.
Leclerc’s Contract Amid the Shift
Villeneuve critiqued Leclerc’s early incorporation into Ferrari following an average season at Sauber and the sizable “world‑champion” contract that may have stalled a gradual build‑out around a driver. He indicated that while Leclerc has become a staple in the team’s dynamics, Hamilton’s sudden ascension forces a reassessment of what a championship team truly requires.
He underscored that Leclerc’s preparation has not yet matched the momentum Hamilton displayed, suggesting that the team’s long‑term plans might be recalibrated in light of Hamilton’s recent performance surge.
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari. Photo by Andy Hone/ LAT Images via Getty Images
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