The Monegasque came out clearly on top in the head-to-head with his new team-mate, scoring 242 points to the Briton’s 156, while also holding a clear edge with seven more podiums and one additional pole position.

“I think Lewis has always been extremely motivated,” Leclerc told GPblog in Abu Dhabi.

“It’s been a tough end to the season for Lewis, but not just for him — for the whole team as well, as the car has become increasingly difficult to drive. But I’m sure we’ll all be back next year.”

For both Hamilton and Leclerc, 2026 represents a pivotal year in their respective careers: the Monegasque is hoping to finally have a title-contending car after achieving far less than his talent deserves, while the Briton is effectively fighting to secure his place on the grid beyond 2027.

The 1997 world champion pointed to the major difficulties faced by the British driver, suggesting he had grown too accustomed over the years to the “easy years,” referring to the string of titles won during Mercedes’ peak dominance in the hybrid era.

Villeneuve also believes that “it’s hard to get the diesel going again if you back off a bit, take it easy, or start thinking it’s easy,” adding that “once you start believing you’re untouchable, you slow down.”