Villeneuve: Hamilton’s Brand Value Surpasses Verstappen’s Pure Racing Dom…..read more
Former Formula 1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve has weighed in on the ongoing debate about the impact of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen in the sport. While both drivers have been dominant forces in recent years, Villeneuve believes Hamilton offers something beyond just racing prowess—his global brand presence. According to the 1997 champion, Hamilton’s influence extends far beyond Formula 1, making him a more valuable asset overall than Verstappen, who is primarily focused on pure racing.
Hamilton vs. Verstappen: More Than Just Titles?
The Formula 1 world has been largely defined by the rivalry between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen over the past few years. Hamilton, who dominated the sport for much of the last decade, saw his reign come to an end in 2021 when Verstappen clinched his first World Championship title. Since then, the Dutch driver has gone on to win four consecutive championships, establishing himself as the undisputed leader on the track. As the 2025 season unfolds, Verstappen is once again the favorite to secure a fifth straight title.
Despite Verstappen’s supremacy on the circuit, Villeneuve argues that Hamilton’s true value lies in his influence beyond racing. The seven-time world champion has built an impressive legacy, not just with his victories and records but through his presence in various industries, making him a recognizable figure worldwide. Villeneuve believes this distinction is what sets Hamilton apart from Verstappen in terms of overall value.
Verstappen’s Racing Focus vs. Hamilton’s Global Influence
While Verstappen has dedicated himself almost entirely to motorsport, Hamilton has diversified his career and established himself as a global icon. Verstappen is well known for his dedication to sim racing and has even founded his own esports and junior racing team, Verstappen.com Racing. His primary focus remains within the world of motorsports, where he continues to break records and dominate his competition.
On the other hand, Hamilton has ventured into multiple industries, making a significant impact outside of Formula 1. He has built strong ties in fashion, collaborating with major brands and even launching his own clothing collections. The British driver has also explored the entertainment industry, taking part in film and music projects. Additionally, Hamilton has invested in the food industry and has been a vocal advocate for various social causes, further cementing his status as a global celebrity.
Why Hamilton’s Brand Makes Him More Valuable
According to Villeneuve, while Verstappen brings immense value to Red Bull as an elite driver, Hamilton’s commercial appeal benefits his team and Formula 1 as a whole in a unique way. His massive global following, sponsorship deals, and ability to attract new audiences to the sport make him more than just a racing driver. Hamilton’s influence extends to millions of fans worldwide, many of whom may not even be traditional motorsport enthusiasts.
Villeneuve’s comments reflect a broader reality in modern sports—success is not just about winning races but also about marketability and influence. Hamilton has leveraged his platform to build an empire beyond racing, making him one of the most recognized and influential athletes in the world. His presence in high-profile industries like fashion and entertainment has brought new fans to Formula 1, expanding its reach and commercial appeal.
Final Thoughts: Two Legends, Two Different Legacies
While there is no denying Verstappen’s dominance on the track, Villeneuve’s perspective highlights how Hamilton’s career has transcended motorsport. Verstappen may continue to break records and build his legacy as one of F1’s greatest drivers, but Hamilton’s influence extends beyond championships and race wins.
Both drivers bring tremendous value to Formula 1 in their own way—Verstappen as a pure racing talent and Hamilton as a global icon. The debate over who is more valuable will likely continue, but one thing is certain: Hamilton and Verstappen have redefined the sport in their own unique ways, leaving an undeniable mark on Formula 1’s history.
