Ex-F1 champion declares Lewis Hamilton ‘needs to be loved’ with Ferrari switch

Jacques Villeneuve reckoned that Lewis Hamilton might need positive treatment from Ferrari to get the best out of himself this year.

Ex-F1 champion declares Lewis Hamilton ‘needs to be loved’ with Ferrari switch

Fred Vasseur and Lewis Hamilton (via XPBimages)

Lewis Hamilton is now officially a Ferrari driver. The seven-time world champion decided to leave Mercedes to join the Prancing Horse this year. Now, former F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve has mentioned that the Scuderia will need to treat the Briton well.

Hamilton joins Maranello on the back drop of few underwhelming years at Mercedes. The 39-year-old grew increasing frustrated by the end of last year. Lewis Hamilton even considered quitting the 2024 campaign.

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Jacques Villeneuve hinted that the seven-time world champion might need an environment where he is loved. The Canadian reckoned that Lewis Hamilton has become extremely receptive to noise in and outside the paddock, be it negative or positive. As such, Villeneuve insists that a positive approach could allow the Briton to thrive.

It just seems he’s very receptive to external noise, both positive and negative.

Jacques Villeneuve told Mirror Sport

Lewis Hamilton has ‘nothing to prove’ at Ferrari

The 1997 F1 champion made it clear that Hamilton had nothing to prove on the grid. Jacques Villeneuve pinpointed at the Briton’s incredibly successful career in Formula 1 with seven world titles. Though, he mentioned that Lewis Hamilton’s only missing achievement is winning with Ferrari. Thus, the 39-year-old would be pushing himself to the limit to tick this final box.

Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton (via Alamy)
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc (via Alamy)

Lewis has nothing to prove, he’s won everything already. The only thing missing for Lewis is winning with Ferrari.

Jacques Villeneuve added

The seven-time world champion indeed has high ambitions for his stint at Ferrari. Hamilton would need to adapt quickly to the car and the culture at Maranello. Fans can expect the Briton to be right on pace from the first day of the upcoming season.