1997 F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve has highlighted a major advantage Lewis Hamilton brings to a team over Max Verstappen.
The duo are seen as two of the biggest names in F1 having enjoyed high levels of success across the last 10 years.
However, the personality difference between the two has often been noted, with Hamilton enjoying a more vibrant lifestyle compared to Verstappen.
Through his involvement in various projects, Hamilton’s name has become known to many, even those who don’t follow F1.
As a result, Villeneuve has stated Hamilton has more value to a team than Verstappen, who appears to enjoy a quieter way of life.
“Lewis Hamilton brings more value than Max Verstappen,” Villeneuve told yaysweepstakes.com.
“More money value. But his international image goes beyond F1 and racing. He’s known in circles that have nothing to do with racing.
“Max is a pure racer and he brings wins and the victories to the team which ultimately has been bringing money to the team as well, so he’s definitely worth it.
“But it’s not as linked to the image and the value brought in from outside of racing. It’s from two different angles, basically.”
Hamilton ‘brand’ will be in ‘history books’
With their share of success on the track, it’s no surprise that the two are the highest-paid drivers in F1.
Hamilton has penned a new contract for this year with Ferrari after opting to end his association with Mercedes at the end of the 2024 campaign.
The seven-time champion has been described by Villeneuve as having his own unique brand that possesses unmatched appeal.
“They’re both worth the money that they’re paid,” Villeneuve said.
“Lewis is making a killing. It’s amazing. It’s something that will be written in history books.
“In terms of what he’s doing in the global space which is inside racing with his results, his records, and his image that’s touched everything. He’s known. He’s a brand.
“That’s the big difference. That’s the big difference with most of the drivers he actually is a brand.”
