Jun.22 (GMM) Jacques Villeneuve believes Lewis Hamilton is wresting control of Ferrari from Charles Leclerc.
The 1997 world champion says Hamilton’s recent resurgence, culminating in victory in Barcelona, has exposed a weakness in Leclerc’s position despite the Monegasque’s long-term history with the team and brand new contract extension.
“Ferrari must focus on Hamilton if they want even a slim chance of winning,” Villeneuve is quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“The decision is easy to make, because Leclerc is quite far behind.”
Villeneuve argues Leclerc had years to establish himself as Ferrari’s undisputed leader but failed to fully capitalise.
“Leclerc had time to build the team around him, but he didn’t,” he said. “He never had to build anything around himself. He was given everything.”
The Canadian believes Hamilton is now changing the balance of power.
“Lewis didn’t have a great season last year,” Villeneuve said. “It takes time to build.”
But now, he added, Hamilton has made both the car and the team his own.
“Leclerc was happy to make a good impression alongside Lewis, but when Lewis woke up, made the car and the team his own, and started giving it his all without holding back, Leclerc wasn’t ready.”
The comments add another chapter to the increasingly public back-and-forth between Villeneuve and Hamilton.
Earlier this month in Montreal, Hamilton took an apparent swipe at Villeneuve while discussing legendary drivers.
“He was a great driver,” Hamilton said of Jacques’ father Gilles Villeneuve. “And obviously far better than his son.”
Villeneuve later dismissed the remark.
“He did make a stupid comment in Montreal,” the Canadian said. “I was like, ‘Why would he say that?’
“I don’t remember criticising him, so I don’t think that was about me.”