Lewis Hamilton faced a challenging Azerbaijan Grand Prix, marked by setbacks including elimination in the Q2 qualifying session that forced him to start from 12th place. Despite a poor start to the race, the seven-time world champion finished eighth after a late driver swap with Charles Leclerc, refusing to relinquish the position, a decision that sparked controversy. Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 Formula 1 world champion, weighed in on the contentious moment, criticizing Hamilton’s refusal to comply with team instructions and suggesting ulterior motives behind his actions.
Dispute Over Position Swap at Azerbaijan Race
Ferrari endured a difficult weekend in Baku with a series of unfortunate events, but the incident involving Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc at the race’s end drew the most attention. Hamilton, who was faster on fresher tires, did not give back the eighth-place position to Leclerc despite team orders. Hamilton later explained he lost focus in the final corners, which prevented him from giving back the spot. Leclerc appeared frustrated over team radio, expressing clear dissatisfaction with how the situation unfolded.
Jacques Villeneuve offered his insight on the incident, arguing that Hamilton managed the situation strategically and that Ferrari’s decision to swap the drivers was unnecessary. Villeneuve contended that Hamilton, given his pace advantage on newer tires, would have overtaken Leclerc naturally, and this justified Hamilton’s reluctance to cede position voluntarily.
Lewis Hamilton played it well. He played it really well. Ferrari asked Leclerc to let Lewis by, but they didn’t need to. Lewis then, on the new tyre, was so much quicker anyway he would have overtaken him. So, the team orders were unnecessary. So, I guess that’s why Lewis didn’t really want to let him by again!
Jacques Villeneuve told a gambling site
How Hamilton’s Actions Amplified Ferrari’s Challenges
Ferrari holds a revered place in Formula 1’s storied history, with a passionate fanbase—the Tifosi—who scrutinize every outcome intensely. Despite signing one of the sport’s greatest drivers, Lewis Hamilton, the Italian outfit’s struggles appear to have deepened rather than eased. Villeneuve described Ferrari as being “completely lost” and stressed that the team urgently needs direction amid its current difficulties.
The Canadian champion acknowledged Hamilton’s influence as significant but also risky, given the intense public and media attention the Briton commands. Villeneuve suggested that if Ferrari fails to improve their performance now, the negative consequences and pressure will only grow larger due to Hamilton’s high-profile role within the team.
Ferrari are completely lost right now and obviously need some direction. Lewis is big there. They took a risk by going together because if the team doesn’t go well with the image that Lewis and the attention that Lewis brings to the team, it makes it even bigger.
Jacques Villeneuve noted
Implications for Ferrari and Hamilton Moving Forward
Lewis Hamilton’s focus has shifted beyond the current season toward preparations for the 2026 campaign, where significant regulation changes are expected. Ferrari still faces substantial hurdles before it can reassert itself as a championship-contending team. The tension highlighted by Hamilton’s refusal to follow team orders exemplifies the broader challenges within Ferrari’s ranks this year.
Hamilton aims to conclude this season positively, moving past recent frustrations and shortcomings. Meanwhile, the internal dynamics at Ferrari will likely come under ongoing scrutiny, as balancing star drivers’ ambitions with team strategies becomes increasingly complex.
Villeneuve shoots compliment at Hamilton for blowing off Ferrari:
— Lewis Hamilton refused to return eighth place to Charles Leclerc in Baku, despite Ferrari's request, leaving Leclerc frustrated. Leclerc expressed his dissatisfaction over the radio, calling the situation… pic.twitter.com/fQ5JdYRmkB
— This is Formula 1 (@ThisIsFormu1a1) September 26, 2025
