Is Mercedes unlucky to have Hamilton as a driver?

The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was a real blunder for Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time world champion was defeated by his teammate George Russell. According to former F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve, Mercedes is in a tough spot with Hamilton.

Mercedes is a shadow of its former self

Mercedes has been the dominant force in Formula 1 for years in a row, but in 2022 they are a shadow of their older form. During this year's winter tests, Mercedes already showed signs of weakening, but the F1 world was reluctant to write off the Silver Arrows. Mercedes often starts the preseason a bit slower, whether intentionally or not. After four races it can be said that Mercedes is missing a lot of time and it is luck that has led them to compete for a podium position.

On Saturday in Imola, a run of 187 race weekends that stood since Japan 2012 was halted; the team failed to get through Q2. Villeneuve says in his column at Formula1.co.uk that it is difficult for Mercedes having such a megastar like Hamilton in their ranks. The car did not cooperate, but the driver also failed to overtake the AlphaTauri of Pierre Gasly, who in turn was stuck behind the Williams of Alexander Albon for half the race. According to Villeneuve, Mercedes is taking a big risk with the seven-time world champion on their team.

Early retirement Hamilton?

Having such a big star on your team is great if you have a winning car. On the other hand, if you don't manage to win, the attention drawn to you is only more painful. Villeneuve thinks people quickly forget that a champion does not have the right to be competitive. The Canadian can't help but think about a possible early retirement for Hamilton. Villeneuve is not alone in this. Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko wondered whether Hamilton regrets continuing in F1 after his defeat of Verstappen in 2021.

Villeneuve says he has often been surprised in Formula 1 and that he has often seen champions suddenly get tired of racing. In any case, it does not seem easy for the former champion to currently be the leader within the Mercedes team alongside a strong up-and-coming force like Russell.