F1 News: Lewis Hamilton "Doesn't Owe Mercedes Anything" - Former Champion

Former F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve states Lewis Hamilton does not owe Mercedes anything after his switch to Ferrari in 2025.
F1 News: Lewis Hamilton "Doesn't Owe Mercedes Anything" - Former Champion
F1 News: Lewis Hamilton "Doesn't Owe Mercedes Anything" - Former Champion /

Former F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve has voiced a bold opinion on Lewis Hamilton's career moves, asserting that the British driver owes nothing to Mercedes. This statement follows Hamilton's announcement of his impending switch to Ferrari in 2025.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 F1 World Champion, has stated that Lewis Hamilton is not indebted to Mercedes, amidst news of Hamilton's departure to Ferrari.
  • Hamilton's move to Ferrari in 2025 comes after a successful stint at Mercedes, where he clinched six of his seven World Championships.
  • Villeneuve highlights the cutthroat nature of Formula 1, implying that Hamilton's career decisions have been strategically self-serving.
Lewis Hamilton Mercedes (12)

Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 World Champion, has come forward with a striking perspective on Lewis Hamilton's allegiance to Mercedes. Villeneuve's comments emerge in the wake of Hamilton's confirmation that he will be joining Ferrari in 2025, a move facilitated by a break clause in his contract with Mercedes, valid at the end of 2024.

Hamilton has been with Mercedes since 2013, a period during which he secured six of his illustrious seven World Championships. His tenure at Mercedes has been marked by unprecedented success, shaping him into one of the sport's all-time greats.

Villeneuve's remarks shed light on the intricate dynamics of F1's competitive landscape. He stated: 

"I guess that’s why the clause was there in the first place. I’m not saying he has done anything bad though!"

Lewis Hamilton - Toto Wolff - George Russell - Mercedes

The Canadian former champion further elaborated on Hamilton's approach to his career, suggesting that Hamilton has always prioritised his interests, maintaining a strategic distance from camaraderie that could potentially hinder his ambitions. 

"He has spent his career making sure that what he did was the best for him. Not giving any quarter. Not being friendly or nice to anyone else," Villeneuve added.

“It is a business. F1 is a bunch of sharks. He doesn’t owe Mercedes anything. Mercedes gave him a lot but they gave them a lot in return.”

Hamilton's move to Ferrari marks the beginning of a new chapter in an already storied career.

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Lydia Mee
LYDIA MEE

Lydia is the lead editor of F1 editorial. After following the sport for several years, she was finally able to attend the British Grand Prix in person in 2017. Since then, she's been addicted to not only the racing, but the atmosphere the fans bring to each event. She's a strong advocate for women in motorsport and a more diverse industry.