Villeneuve: Hamilton's appeal transcends F1, Verstappen's doesn't
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Lewis Hamilton's headline-grabbing move to Ferrari has reignited Formula 1's global fascination with the seven-time world champion, according to Jacques Villeneuve.
In stark contrast, the Canadian suggests that if Max Verstappen were to leave the sport, few would care.
Villeneuve labeled Hamilton's transition to Ferrari as the most significant driver switch "since Michael Schumacher left Benetton for Ferrari" in 1996.
"Independent of race results, Lewis Hamilton is the biggest driver of all time because of all the following he has," Villeneuve told The Action Network.
"He's very different. He's unique. He's broken the mould. There's a lot that hangs on him. He has the biggest image. His image goes beyond F1. And there's not many drivers like that.
"Take Verstappen out of F1. Nobody cares. Take Hamilton out of F1, people care.
"So yes, it is the biggest signing. And Ferrari is also one of the biggest brands in the world, if not the biggest. So put the two together, yeah, of course, it's amazing."
Villeneuve Dismisses Criticism of Ferrari's Decision
Not everyone agrees with Ferrari's decision to replace Carlos Sainz with Hamilton. Alpine executive director Flavio Briatore recently questioned the logic behind the move, but Villeneuve dismissed his comments as narrow-minded.
"That's very short-sighted from Briatore suggesting he can't see the logic of signing Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari," Villeneuve said. "You just have to look at the value of Ferrari the minute they signed him.
"You can't look at Ferrari just as a racing team. It's a whole industry. Yes, they are there to win, but winning helps them sell more cars and adds to the value of Ferrari.
"That's what the business is and signing Lewis was worth millions and millions, so it was the best move they've ever done."
Hamilton's Longevity and Motivation
Hamilton, now 40 years old, has signed a multi-year deal with Ferrari, speculated to run through 2027.
But Villeneuve believes the Briton's future success depends on his hunger and passion for the sport, not his physical fitness.
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"It depends if Lewis Hamilton has the same hunger as Fernando Alonso or not," said the 1997 F1 world champion.
"He still wants one championship, and he wants it with Ferrari. So that should be enough to give him the hunger.
"But if the going gets tough, will he just think, will I be a fighter and warrior like Alonso or will he think it's time to do something else with my life?
"Physically there's no issue. He's super fit, he's super strong, he can go on another 10 years, there's no problem there. But it's all in the head and his desire.
"It's always like that with sports. Age is not the issue. It's how you are [mentally] ready to give it all, to do all the training necessary, to go to bed, wake up in the morning and think only about that and focus.
"At some point in your life, maybe it loses its importance or its priority. And that's when you go down. Not because there's a physical direct effect."
The Thrill of Competition
Villeneuve likened the adrenaline rush of racing to a powerful drug, noting that it keeps many drivers hooked.
"It is draining but at the same time it's what keeps you alive," he said. "It's what drives you. And you realize when you stop it, you realize two months into it, 'Gosh, this is boring.'
©Mercedes
"You need that lifestyle. You need that adrenaline rush that you keep going. If you're passionate, if it's something you really love, it's a drug.
"Take Nico Rosberg, he was happier not racing. That's just not the same level of passion."
Hamilton's unique appeal, coupled with the allure of Ferrari, has sparked a new chapter for F1, one that Villeneuve believes will captivate fans worldwide.
Meanwhile, Verstappen's dominance may not inspire the same fervor, the Canadian argued, emphasizing that Hamilton's influence transcends the racetrack.
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