Seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has faced criticism of his record from fellow champion Jacques Villeneuve. During an appearance on The Red Flags podcast, Villeneuve was asked to rank the greatest Formula 1 champions of the past 75 years, sparking a controversial take on Hamilton’s achievements.
When asked to choose between Hamilton and two-time champion Fernando Alonso, Villeneuve surprisingly sided with Alonso. He argued that Hamilton’s seven titles do not tell the full story of his performance over the years, stating that Hamilton experienced multiple seasons where he was inconsistent and relied heavily on car superiority for victories.
I will put Alonso. Hamilton has too many downs. Even though he has got all of the championships, it’s not the quantity of championships,
Villeneuve said.
Villeneuve noted that Hamilton often had stretches of several races each season where his performance seemed to vanish before resurging to win again. He also suggested that many of Hamilton’s championships were achieved in machinery so dominant that even his former teammate Valtteri Bottas could have claimed the title in his absence.
And too many championships were in a car that even Bottas could have won a championship if Hamilton had not been there. That put him [Hamilton] in a place where he became complacent and he forgot how hard you have to fight.
This perceived complacency, Villeneuve added, appears to have affected Hamilton’s recent performances, where the seven-time champion faces tougher competition than earlier in his career.
You can see it now. It’s a big shock to him that he actually has to fight as hard as he did in his first and second season.
Villeneuve’s Rankings Place Hamilton Below Several Legends
Continuing his rankings, Villeneuve included Alonso and Mario Andretti in his final selection, with Andretti claiming the top spot as the greatest driver in his view. The American’s success extended beyond F1, gaining recognition for achievements in IndyCar and endurance racing.
Andretti’s accomplishments include four IndyCar championships, an Indianapolis 500 victory, and wins at prestigious endurance events like Daytona and Sebring. Villeneuve praised Andretti as the most well-rounded driver in motorsport history.
By contrast, Hamilton’s place in Villeneuve’s assessment was comparatively low, with the Canadian implied that the Brit’s dominance was partly the product of favorable conditions rather than relentless competitiveness.
The Debate’s Wider Implications in Motorsports
Villeneuve’s comments come amid ongoing discussions about the value of championships relative to the competition level and equipment advantage in racing. This perspective adds fuel to the Lewis Hamilton F1 championship controversy, questioning how much of his success stems from driver skill versus car performance.
As Formula 1 evolves, Hamilton’s ability to adapt and fiercely compete without a dominant car will be key to his legacy. Meanwhile, other motorsport figures like Denny Hamlin continue to influence cross-series conversations around competitiveness and excellence.
