Villeneuve: Ferrari regret Hamilton hire "They think, what have we done?"

1997 Formula 1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve believes that Carlos Sainz was kicked out of Ferrari. Often outspoken, the Canadian slammed Ferrari for its decision, stating that Ferrari "Must be wondering why they let him go." Sainz, who has won three Grand Prix with Ferrari, is yet to confirm where he will be driving next year. Did Ferrari make the wrong decision? Villeneuve wonders.

Jacques Villeneuve, son of the legendary Gilles Villeneuve, enjoyed an 11-year Formula 1 career. The Canadian started 163 Grand Prix, won 11 races, and beat Micheal Schumacher to the title in Jerez in 1997. While speaking to Casino Online In, Villeneuve said he sees "two camps" within the Italian team, which might cause cracks to form.

"Carlos Sainz has responded so well after basically being kicked out of Ferrari," said Villeneuve. "We can see he is not there to play second fiddle to Leclerc. He is there to play his game and show the world what he can do. He has put himself in the shop window big time. He is the only one winning races for Ferrari. His value will have really gone up over the past three years."

Carlos Sainz has been one of the most impressive drivers of 2024. Although the Spaniard missed the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix due to Appendicitis, Sainz is still only seven behind his teammate Charles Leclerc. He led Ferrari to a one-two in Melbourne earlier this year and is the only non-Red Bull driver to have won a race since November 2022.

"Every time he has made a move people have said the team who have signed him are taking a risk. Every time he performs better than expected. He is certainly outperforming Leclerc. People are starting to realise he is a serious contender. He is very mature and dedicated, clever, and works hard which is really making a difference. Talent alone is not enough."

Has Ferrari made the right choice?

"There are two camps in Ferrari. One wanted Hamilton and the other wanted to keep Leclerc. So Sainz was the sacrificial lamb. Ironically, Sainz will probably walk out with a better situation. You must wonder if they think, ‘What have we done?'"