Jacques Villeneuve points out double-edged sword of Lewis Hamilton's efforts to change Ferrari's operations

Lewis Hamilton’s first season with Ferrari has not yet yielded the results many expected, but the seven-time world champion continues to play a vital role behind the scenes. As the team prepares for this weekend’s São Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos, former driver Jacques Villeneuve has opined that Hamilton’s influence within Ferrari has been both transformative and, at times, counterproductive.

The British driver joined Ferrari this season amid huge anticipation, but he is still without a podium after 20 races. The team remains second in the Constructors’ standings, with Red Bull and Mercedes closing in. While Charles Leclerc has scored six podiums to lead Ferrari’s efforts, Hamilton’s contribution has been more internal, helping lay the groundwork for the 2026 regulation changes.

1997 world champion Villeneuve praised Hamilton’s leadership approach but warned that it comes with trade-offs.

“Lewis has had the pace the last few races,” Villeneuve said (via Poker Strategy). “He seems to have been working more on the team, while Leclerc has been complaining more. It feels that Lewis has been focusing on making sure he has the right people and the right team around him.”

Lewis Hamilton’s experience has been an asset for Ferrari. The team is still chasing its first world title since 2007, while the #44 driver has won seven during that time.

The Briton has spent time in the garage giving feedback to engineers and mechanics, as reliability issues and tire wear have limited his own races.

“Next year he’s been trying to change the way of working as well,” Villeneuve added. “And it seems that it’s probably helping the whole team and indirectly it’s also helping Leclerc perform. So, he’s been a very good addition in that respect, but it’s also serving his teammate. That might be the issue for him.”

Hamilton’s technical input and focus on structure mirror the foundation-building work he once did at Mercedes, which ultimately produced years of dominance.

Ferrari personnel changes as Interlagos awaits Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton in the Scuderia Ferrari garage before the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico. Source: Getty

Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari team has made a notable change. Riccardo Corte, one of his performance engineers, is set to leave the Scuderia after an 11-year career. Corte, who previously worked with both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, is bound for Grove Racing - the 2025 Bathurst 1000 winners.

It comes ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend, where Ferrari will hope to regain lost ground. The Interlagos circuit is fast, technical, and unpredictable, where Hamilton won three times - in 2016, 2018, and 2021. However, with the Sprint format in place, drivers will have only one practice session before competitive running begins.

The weather could again play a decisive role as heavy rain is forecast throughout the weekend. The São Paulo round also carries extra significance for Lewis Hamilton, who has two Sprint podiums this season, including a win in Shanghai.

Edited by Parag Jain