Verstappen claim issued in SCATHING Hamilton verdict… read more
A former Formula 1 champion has come to the defense of Lewis Hamilton, issuing a scathing claim about Max Verstappen’s impact on the sport. Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 F1 champion, believes that Verstappen’s dominance in F1 is not comparable to Hamilton’s enduring legacy.
Verstappen has been the dominant force in F1 for four consecutive seasons, claiming the drivers’ title each year since his maiden win in 2021. However, Villeneuve argues that Verstappen’s success is not as significant as Hamilton’s achievements in the sport.
Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari has been met with excitement and anticipation from fans. However, not everyone is convinced that the move is a good one. Flavio Briatore, the executive advisor of Alpine, recently suggested that Ferrari’s decision to sign Hamilton could be a mistake.
Villeneuve strongly disagrees with Briatore’s assessment, arguing that Hamilton’s value to Ferrari goes far beyond his on-track performance. “Signing Lewis was worth millions and millions, so it was the best move they ever made,” Villeneuve told Action Network.
Villeneuve believes that Hamilton’s enduring popularity and global appeal make him a unique asset to Ferrari. “Regardless of the race results, Lewis Hamilton is the greatest driver of all time because of all the followers he has,” Villeneuve said. “He is unique. He has broken the mould. He has the greatest image. His image extends beyond Formula 1.”
In contrast, Villeneuve argues that Verstappen’s legacy is not as significant as Hamilton’s. “Take Verstappen out of Formula 1, and nobody cares,” Villeneuve claimed. “Take Hamilton out of Formula 1, and 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.”
Villeneuve’s comments highlight the enduring appeal of Hamilton, who has been one of the most dominant drivers in F1 history. Despite facing intense competition from Verstappen in recent years, Hamilton remains one of the most popular and respected drivers in the sport.
The rivalry between Hamilton and Verstappen has been one of the most compelling storylines in F1 in recent years. While Verstappen has been the dominant force on the track, Hamilton’s enduring legacy and global appeal make him a unique asset to Ferrari.
As the 2025 F1 season approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the rivalry between Hamilton and Verstappen. With Hamilton now driving for Ferrari, the stage is set for an epic battle between two of the greatest drivers in F1 history.
In conclusion, Villeneuve’s comments highlight the enduring legacy of Lewis Hamilton, who remains one of the most dominant and popular drivers in F1 history. While Max Verstappen may have been the dominant force on the track in recent years, Hamilton’s global appeal and enduring popularity make him a unique asset to Ferrari. As the 2025 F1 season approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the rivalry between Hamilton and Verstappen.
