1997 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve advised Lewis Hamilton to retire from Formula 1 only when he lost his passion for racing.
Hamilton endured another difficult weekend at Ferrari’s Dutch Grand Prix.
The seven-time world champion crashed out of the race after making an uncharacteristic mistake in turn 3.
It was Hamilton’s first DNF as a Ferrari driver, and unusually, it was an error that was entirely his own fault.
Hamilton scored once in the last three races and scored points.
At the Spa, Hamilton was unable to make it beyond the first part of the qualifying round in either session.
Lewis Hamilton
However, an inspired strategy call ordered him.
In Hungary, Hamilton was knocked out in the second quarter, with Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc taking his first pole position of the year.
Hamilton was rapped and ended outside the point, with two difficult-to-view interviews with Sky Sports.
After competing in Hungarrolling, Hamilton declared he was “no use.”
After the race, Hamilton hinted at how things were going on behind the scenes at Ferrari, where he wasn’t satisfied.
Hamilton’s poor form led to many suggestions that he might consider retiring from the sport – or at least he began to question his place in Formula 1.
Villeneuve’s advice for Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton currently has a multi-year contract with Ferrari.
The 40-year-old is keen to see how he is carrying next year, and will make a major difference in technical regulations.
One important change is around the floor, which has a big impact on how the car is driven on track.
New regulations suggest that Hamilton can withstand even more, allowing him to drive more aggressively.
Talking to Chomon Ontario, Villeneuve discussed whether Hamilton should consider retiring from Formula 1.
“You’re going to retire, not because you think you’re not enough anymore. You’re going to retire when you wake up, because you won’t go to the racecourse in the morning,” he said.
“That’s what you might say to yourself, ‘No, this is nothing I want in my life anymore’, it’s very different.
“If you’re still competitive and you still have within you, don’t stop. Find a way. Don’t find a way. Resignation isn’t just related to outcomes.
“It’s a state of mind, an inner drive, a passion.
“Do you still love doing what you do? Does it bring something to you? And it’s a lot. There’s psychology, there’s happiness, fulfillment, money. It’s a mixture of things.
“So you do the calculations. What will it bring you, what will it take you? And that’s when you decide.”