Jacques Villeneuve defends Lewis Hamilton over F1 retirement claims

Lydia MeeFri, Jul 3, 2026·6 min read

1997 Formula 1 champion Jacques Villeneuve has defended Lewis Hamilton, dismissing suggestions that the seven-time champion should have considered hanging up his helmet during his struggles in recent years.

Following a challenging end to his otherwise successful stint at Mercedes, where he won six of his seven titles, many from inside and outside of the paddock suggested that the Briton should have retired to end his career on a high. However, Hamilton's recent resurgence, including his first grand prix victory as a Ferrari driver, has silenced many of his early doubters.

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

Speaking on the Sky Sports F1 Show, Villeneuve shot down the narrative that the 41-year-old had stayed in the series too long.

"I was always of the opposite thought," the Canadian explained. "Why retire? I don't understand this concept of, 'Oh, it's too late. He has to retire. Poor him.' If the fire is still there, why retire?

"Just because people want to remember a champion at his peak, and suddenly there's a bad one or two seasons, and it hurts them. Not the driver, not the sportsman himself. It hurts them as a fan, and they don't want to see their hero failing.

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

"So, in their mind, 'Oh, he should retire so we can keep him at his top.' But they're not the sportsman. They don't understand what's going on."

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Hamilton left Mercedes for Ferrari at the start of 2025. After a difficult first season adjusting to the Maranello outfit, Hamilton has bounced back in 2026.

"So you get there, you get a chance to drive with the biggest team, to rebuild it. And you're still making what £40-60million a year. Why should you retire?" Villeneuve continued. "He wasn't running last. He wasn't qualifying last. He was still out there giving his best."

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

He added: "So, he's proven that all these naysayers were wrong. If you have the fire, the talent doesn't suddenly disappear. It's all about whether you're willing to make the sacrifices. Are you willing to put the time and effort in?"

Photos from British GP - Friday

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Simon Galloway / LAT Images via Getty Images

Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team

Simon Galloway / LAT Images via Getty Images

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

James Sutton / LAT Images via Getty Images

Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing

Andy Hone/ LAT Images via Getty Images

Nico Hulkenberg, Audi F1 Team

Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Liam Fabre

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing, Max Verstappen, Red Bull

Williams Technical Detail

Max Verstappen, Red Bull

Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi F1 Team

Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing

James Sutton / Formula 1 / Formula Motorsport Ltd via Getty Images

Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team

Flavio Briatore, Alpine

Colin McMaster / LAT Images via Getty Images

Steven Tee / LAT Images via Getty Images

George Russell, Mercedes

Sam Bloxham / LAT Images via Getty Images

Colin McMaster / LAT Images via Getty Images

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Alastair Staley / LAT Images via Getty Images

George Russell, Mercedes; Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team

James Sutton / Formula 1 / Formula Motorsport Ltd via Getty Images

AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement

Franco Colapinto, Alpine

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.