Villeneuve urges Ferrari to make Hamilton its 2026 title priority

Villeneuve says Ferrari’s choice is becoming clear

Jacques Villeneuve believes Ferrari has reached the point where it should prioritise Lewis Hamilton as its lead driver in the 2026 Formula 1 title fight, following the seven-time world champion’s sharp upturn in form.

That momentum has also shifted the debate around Ferrari’s internal hierarchy. As explored in our recent look at Hamilton’s Ferrari charge putting Mercedes under pressure, the competitive picture is no longer theoretical: Hamilton is now close enough to force strategic questions at Maranello.

A dramatic change in Villeneuve’s tone

Six months later, his view is markedly different. Villeneuve now says Hamilton’s proven ability to seize a title opportunity should make Ferrari’s decision straightforward, especially given Leclerc’s deficit to his team-mate.

“Lewis knows how to win, and he knows what it takes. And if he gets a sniff of it, there won't be any quarters,” Villeneuve told Sky Sports’ The F1 Show podcast. “Ferrari has to focus on Lewis if they want a small chance of winning. So the decision is easy to make, because Leclerc is quite far back.”

Pressure rises on Leclerc

Villeneuve was also blunt about Leclerc’s situation, suggesting the Monegasque had been given “too much too soon” at Ferrari and had not built the team around himself during his years at Maranello. He argued that Leclerc looked comfortable while Hamilton was struggling, but became exposed once the Briton found form.

“The minute Lewis woke up, the minute Lewis made that car and that team his own and he's going for it and doesn't leave any quarter, Leclerc is not prepared for that,” he said.

Vasseur refuses to be drawn

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur was asked after Hamilton’s Barcelona victory whether the team could give him everything if an eighth title became possible. He refused to engage with the premise, warning against swinging from crisis talk to championship projections within two weeks.

Leclerc, meanwhile, welcomed Hamilton’s win as positive for Ferrari and pointed to upgrades that appear to be working, while admitting he now needs to return to the front alongside his team-mate.