According to 1997 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve, competing for Ferrari in Italy is “not personal yet” for Lewis Hamilton.
Nonetheless, Villeneuve thinks that the “very British” Hamilton might effectively harness that energy by the time of Ferrari’s upcoming home event, the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari: Still not a personal home race?
The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola was Hamilton’s initial encounter with a home race featuring Ferrari following his significant switch from Mercedes.
Before the on-track activities began, Sky F1 analyst and commentator Jamie Chadwick – a multi-time W Series Champion – observed that Hamilton appeared “cool, calm and collected” in the Imola paddock.
When questioned about his agreement, Villeneuve elaborated on his belief that Hamilton appeared this way because racing for Ferrari in front of the tifosi isn’t “personal” just yet.
However, another race at home is approaching with the Italian GP in September, so when the 16th round comes, Villeneuve feels it might be a different narrative.
Indeed, Villeneuve commented on Hamilton’s “cool, calm and collected” demeanor, stating, “Yes, even though it’s a home race, it’s a home race for Ferrari, not for him.”
“For him, the Silverstone race has always been the home event.” He’s quite British, and that’s where he sensed the energy.
“He understands that it’s crucial for Ferrari, that significant pressure will rest on him, and it’s about winning or losing.” There is no halfway point. However, it has not become personal for him yet. “It will arrive, possibly when we reach Monza, at which point it will become personal.”
The Emilia Romagna GP began on a very unsatisfactory note for Ferrari, with both Hamilton and Charles Leclerc exiting in Q2 while driving the enhanced SF-25.
A more positive Grand Prix Sunday ensued as Hamilton climbed to P4 by the finish line, while Leclerc secured sixth, marking the first occasion Hamilton outpaced Leclerc in a Grand Prix since he joined Ferrari.
A sluggish beginning to Hamilton’s Ferrari career has drawn significant criticism, with Hamilton providing numerous negative evaluations. Prior to the race, Villeneuve was questioned on whether Hamilton deserves time to adjust at Ferrari.
“Not someone of his caliber,” he responded. “When he transferred to Mercedes, it occurred quite rapidly.” He didn’t require half a season to settle in.
“Yet, does anyone truly belong at Ferrari?” That is the more relevant question to consider, as it is consistently a challenging situation to face.
“Every driver, including those from the era of Alain Prost and Nigel Mansell, faces challenges and fluctuations; it’s tough.” It appears extremely challenging, as the seats are quite warm and no one can sit down at ease.
