Lewis Hamilton ‘has never had a season like Max Verstappen’ in ‘mood swing’ verdict

Max Verstappen alongside Lewis Hamilton.

1997 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve has said Lewis Hamilton appears to be “very emotional in his driving”, with “ups and downs” unlike Max Verstappen.

Hamilton got himself back onto the top step of the podium at his home race at Silverstone for the first time since 2021, a moment Villeneuve described as the Mercedes driver being “the champion we know”, though also referenced “swings in his moods” from his time in Formula 1.

Jacques Villeneuve gives Lewis Hamilton ‘swings in his moods’ verdict

The victory of the seven-time World Champion in Great Britain was one of the most emotional moments in his career. It marked the end of the longest winless streak he had ever experienced in Formula 1. The win, accomplished in front of his home crowd, was his first in over 50 races and it moved him to tears, which he openly shared over the team radio after crossing the finish line.

Villeneuve emphasized that moving to Ferrari next season would be an “emotional rollercoaster” for him. He pointed out that he should prepare for the immense pressure from the Italian media and the vast fanbase, which is among the largest in the sport.

While discussing his home victory last month, the 1997 World Champion compared his feelings to those of Verstappen. However, he commended Verstappen’s “killer instinct”, which was once again evident at Silverstone.

“Lewis Hamilton will be [on] an emotional rollercoaster at Ferrari,” Villeneuve told Instant Casino.

His driving appears to be highly emotional, fluctuating between highs and lows, and it significantly impacts him.

A look ahead to the Dutch Grand Prix this weekend

F1 schedule: When is the next F1 race and where is it being held?

 Dutch Grand Prix weather forecast: F1 starting grid shake-up on the cards?

He was really in the zone and on a roll at Silverstone; it’s been a while since he’s been in that kind of form.

In every season that he’s competed, Hamilton has experienced highs and lows, but he’s never had a season like Max Verstappen. He consistently experiences mood swings, which might be attributed to self-doubt, though I can’t say for certain.

Throughout much of the season, it has seemed as if Hamilton was conceding defeat to George Russell, which is unusual. However, in Silverstone, despite his lack of killer instinct, he managed to stand out in the rain. This is the champion we’re familiar with, someone who knows how to seize an opportunity.

Villeneuve, in another comparison with Verstappen, explained how emotional responses can affect any driver. He also noted that the current World Champion has had a challenging time so far in the more competitive 2024 season.

“Emotions can drain your energy, it’s not a pleasant feeling,” said Villeneuve.

Max Verstappen also experiences it, but he’s capable of restoring that energy to secure a victory in a race every week.

He found every race weekend in 2021 to be strenuous, whereas the following two years were significantly more relaxed. However, he has had to exert a lot of effort this year to perform. Such a level of effort can be exhausting and wearisome.

Read next: Adrian Newey lifts lid on Christian Horner agreement behind continued Red Bull involvement