Hamilton Fires Back at Villeneuve with Cheeky Jab Ahead of Canadian GP

Lewis Hamilton took a subtle but sharp jab at Jacques Villeneuve during the pre-race press conference for the Canadian Grand Prix. When asked about the legacy of Gilles Villeneuve, after whom the Montreal circuit is named, Hamilton praised the late driver and then added with a laugh: "And obviously far better than his son."

Why it matters:

The exchange adds another chapter to a long-running public feud between the seven-time champion and the 1997 title winner. Villeneuve has been one of Hamilton's most vocal critics, especially since the Briton's move to Ferrari in 2025, questioning his performance and fit within the team.

The details:

• Hamilton reflected on Gilles Villeneuve's driving style, calling him "a driver that really was at the edge of his seat" after watching old videos.
• He then delivered the punchline about Jacques, drawing laughter in the room but underscoring the tension between the two.
• Villeneuve had previously told Sky Sports F1 that Ferrari "are not getting what they signed" with Hamilton, citing frustration from both sides after a difficult adaptation period at Maranello.

What's next:

With the Canadian Grand Prix weekend underway, the remark is likely to reignite debate about Hamilton's form and his relationship with critics. Whether Villeneuve responds remains to be seen, but the seven-time champion has made his stance clear.