Villeneuve on Hamilton: 'It must have hurt him'

Rumors of an early retirement for Lewis Hamilton have now died down. The Briton is making regular announcements and is preparing for a renewed hunt for his eighth championship. It will not be easy, expects Jacques Villeneuve.

Next season, the 1997 champion also expects a battle between Red Bull and Mercedes. Speaking to the Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport the Canadian says that the new regulations are not going to affect the proportions up front. "The strength of Mercedes is the engine. It was also stronger than the Honda engine last year and the new rules don't really change anything in that area. That's why they keep the advantage on that part. Moreover, Lewis always knows how to adapt very quickly to new rules," Villeneuve said.

At the same time, Red Bull also has an important asset, Villeneuve believes. He is referring to Adrian Newey, who also designed the car this season. "What is certain is that under these conditions Newey is the best, and so I expect a fight with Red Bull."

According to Villeneuve, there is nevertheless one uncertain factor: in what psychological state will Hamilton return? The loss - and the way - must have hurt, the Canadian says. "So who knows how Hamilton will return. Is he tired of it or is he even more determined?"