Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton.
1997 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve claims Lewis Hamilton is lacking his “anger behind the wheel” of old, with the “new environment” of Ferrari potentially what he needs to get it back.
Hamilton confirmed ahead of the F1 2024 campaign that this would be his final season as a Mercedes driver, having put pen to paper on a multi-year deal to join Ferrari.
Jacques Villeneuve feels Lewis Hamilton ‘anger behind wheel’ missing
Despite Hamilton’s desire to end his time at Mercedes on a positive note, he currently trails behind George Russell in the internal team competition of F1 2024. Russell has established a dominant position with an 8-1 lead over Hamilton in qualifying sessions and has accumulated 54 points compared to Hamilton’s 42.
In Monaco, Hamilton proposed that Russell’s qualifying advantage would continue to be a prevalent characteristic in F1 2024. This was because Russell was the first to test the new Mercedes front wing at that race. However, Villeneuve expressed that it is customary for a driver who is either remaining with the team or performing exceptionally well to receive preference in such circumstances.
He proceeded to mention that Hamilton is currently missing his distinctive “anger behind the wheel,” and he expresses his hope that Hamilton will rediscover it while driving for Ferrari.
When questioned by Sky F1 about the psychological effects of a team-mate, whose future with the team is guaranteed, receiving upgrades before oneself, Villeneuve responded, “If the other individual is leading in the championship or performing better, and you have already decided to leave, it is only natural to accept this situation.”
“It appears that Lewis is no longer expressing the same level of anger behind the wheel as he has in the past, and hopefully he will regain that passion once he joins Ferrari.”
“He requires a fresh environment to reignite his enthusiasm.”
However, Mercedes is taking a different approach compared to McLaren. While McLaren consistently downplays their performance and surpasses expectations, Mercedes does the opposite. Whenever they arrive at a track, they express optimism, but unfortunately, it doesn’t translate into results.
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According to former F1 driver and current pundit Karun Chandhok, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is the perfect track for Lewis Hamilton to reignite his exceptional racing abilities. With a record-equalling seven victories at the Canadian Grand Prix, Hamilton is set to launch from P7.
“He has a special affinity for this track, where he can reignite the Lewis Hamilton magic,” exclaimed Chandhok. “This is the place where he triumphed in his maiden grand prix.”
“He has always possessed a unique talent for bouncing the car, skillfully maneuvering it onto curbs and other obstacles.”
Jacques’ point is well taken – if he truly needs to rediscover some magic, this is the perfect place to do so.
In an exhilarating Q3 session, Russell and Max Verstappen from Red Bull both recorded the same time, positioning Russell to begin the Canadian Grand Prix from pole position.
Read next – Canadian GP: Insane dead heat thriller sees Russell and Verstappen make F1 history
