Ferrari must focus on Hamilton to challenge for F1 title, Villeneuve says
Motorsport.com • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 2:48 PM
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
Jacques Villeneuve stated that Ferrari needs to concentrate on Lewis Hamilton to have a chance at the 2026 Formula 1 drivers' title. Hamilton recently secured his first win with Ferrari at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix and is now 41 points behind Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli in the standings. Villeneuve remarked that recent back-to-back retirements for Charles Leclerc have widened the points gap between the two Ferrari drivers. He emphasized that Ferrari should prioritize Hamilton as he has proven he can win, unlike Leclerc, who is struggling to keep pace with the competition. This follows Hamilton's recent return to form after a challenging 2025 season with Ferrari.
- •Hamilton won his first Ferrari race at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
- •He is currently 41 points behind leader Kimi Antonelli.
- •Leclerc has faced two recent retirements, impacting Ferrari's standings.
- •Villeneuve advises Ferrari to focus on Hamilton for a title shot.
- •Hamilton's performance has improved after changes within the team.
- 10:35 PMMotorsport.com — Ferrari told to prioritise Lewis Hamilton for chance at 2026 F1 title
"1997 Formula 1 champion Jacques Villeneuve has argued that Ferrari must throw its full weight behind Lewis Hamilton if the Maranello outfit is to have any chance of winning the 2026 championship, following the British driver's breakthrough victory at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix. The seven-time champion secured his maiden grand prix victory as a Ferrari driver in Barcelona, which not only ...Keep reading
"Ferrari need to focus on Lewis Hamilton if they are to have a chance of winning the 2026 Formula 1 drivers' title, according to former world champion Jacques Villeneuve.
Sources
External links- Motorsport.comJun 18, 2026, 10:35 PMFerrari told to prioritise Lewis Hamilton for chance at 2026 F1 title
1997 Formula 1 champion Jacques Villeneuve has argued that Ferrari must throw its full weight behind Lewis Hamilton if the Maranello outfit is to have any chance of winning the 2026 championship, following the British driver's breakthrough victory at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix. The seven-time champion secured his maiden grand prix victory as a Ferrari driver in Barcelona, which not only ...Keep reading
- Sky Sports—Villeneuve: Ferrari need to focus on Hamilton if they want chance of title
Ferrari need to focus on Lewis Hamilton if they are to have a chance of winning the 2026 Formula 1 drivers' title, according to former world champion Jacques Villeneuve.
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