After a long wait, Lewis Hamilton finally achieved his first podium with Ferrari on Sunday (15) by finishing the Chinese GP in third position. Despite the result, former Formula 1 driver Jacques Villeneuve criticized the Briton’s battle with teammate Charles Leclerc, stating that the duel harmed the Italian team’s performance in the race.
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During the Sky Sports F1 broadcast, Villeneuve commented on Hamilton’s statements after the race, who claimed that his battle with Leclerc was fair. “Well, it was fair because he finished third and managed to beat his teammate,” said the Canadian. “So, yes, it ended up being fine, but it was a bit over the top, and it destroyed Ferrari’s race. They were in second and third.”
According to Villeneuve, the battle between the two drivers caused Ferrari to lose important time: “Then they started fighting so intensely that they destroyed the tires. And in those two laps, they lost five seconds to Antonelli.”
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The race was won by Kimi Antonelli, who took control after the first lap and built a lead until securing his first victory in Formula 1. George Russell finished second and secured another Mercedes one-two of the season.
Villeneuve also stated that Ferrari has the potential to compete with Mercedes, but warned that internal battles could cost important points throughout the championship. “At some point, if they continue taking lap time from each other in this way, it will allow Mercedes to pull away.”
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