Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve would like to see Fernando Alonso replace Lewis Hamilton and has shot down suggestions the Brit's switch to Ferrari is similar to Michael Schumacher's comeback.
The world of F1 was shocked this week when news emerged that Hamilton would be cutting his two-year contract with Mercedes short to join Ferrari at the end of the season.
It's a move that seemingly came out of nowhere after Hamilton had repeatedly stated his desire to stick with the Silver Arrows until the end of his career.
The timing of Hamilton's decision does give Mercedes plenty of time to figure out who they want to replace the seven-time world champion.
Mick Schumacher remains the reserve driver for the upcoming season while Mercedes also have several young drivers on their books.
Fernando Alonso could be an option to replace Lewis Hamilton
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But Villeneuve would like to see Toto Wolff give Alonso a shot at taking Hamilton's seat alongside George Russell.
He said: "Fernando Alonso. That would be fantastic.
"Also because you cannot take another young driver like Russell, not at Mercedes.
"Toto will have his ideas. He is like Flavio Briatore: he has his drivers, he first sends them around and then he brings them into the team.
"When asked whether Hamilton's switch to Ferrari can be compared to F1 legend Michael Schumacher coming out of retirement to drive for Mercedes, Villeneuve said: "No.
"Michael returned after he left because he was bored.
"Lewis is still in shape and he is still hungry. He wants revenge for what he believes was the stolen 2021 title."
But Villeneuve has warned Hamilton to expect a different environment at Ferrari compared to what he experienced at Mercedes.
"The feeling is that something is missing at Mercedes and I don't believe they will get back on their feet in two years," he added.
Fernando Alonso is still competing at the top
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"So Lewis would do well to leave for Ferrari. If he wins there it will be fantastic, it would be the greatest possible.
"In a historical period in which the team had not won for a long time.
"It would have been different if, for example, he would have come straight after Michael Schumacher.
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"It is better not to win in a Ferrari than not to win in a Mercedes. Ferrari is a different world.
"It is not easy to survive there.
"Now we will see how difficult it is psychologically. Ferrari uses their drivers.
"Even someone like Alonso has been burned. The only one to whom it has not happened is Schumacher."
