Hamilton doesn’t always drive at 100%, according to Villeneuve
The 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve believes that Lewis Hamilton is not always giving 100% behind the wheel. According to him, this is particularly what would explain the tougher start to the season for the seven-time world champion against George Russell.
Lewis Hamilton is experiencing a more challenging 2022 season than what he is accustomed to throughout his career. This year, the W13 seems to suit George Russell better, as he is used to dealing with unpredictable cars and fighting in the midfield, unlike a seven-time world champion who is used to always running at the front.
For some, this more difficult start to the season could also be due to the loss of a controversial title to Max Verstappen at the end of last year. According to Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 world champion, what sets Max Verstappen apart from Lewis Hamilton is that the British driver doesn’t always give 100% during races.
« During the Spanish Grand Prix, he said “Stop, let’s save the engine.” He didn’t want to continue, then he went back out and was competitive. So I think that’s the difference with Max [Verstappen] last year. Max is always at 100%, Hamilton is not.
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For Villeneuve, this start of Hamilton’s season also revolves around this point: the seven-time world champion is not giving it his all this year according to him.
« But at the Canadian Grand Prix, he was ahead of his teammate. He could see the podium. Yes, he had an incredible pace. Why didn’t he have this pace earlier in the season? Because obviously, the pace can be there. Lewis was still dragging a bit. Lewis needs this early season to start and go, to be at his maximum form. And this year, you have the impression that he is not driving to the maximum of his potential. »
In Canada, Lewis Hamilton had a very solid weekend, rewarded with his second podium of the season on Sunday evening. Could this finally launch his season and unlock his full potential?
