Brundle hints at Ferrari 'game-changer' for Hamilton title bid
Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari has generated immense excitement, and recent comments from Sky F1’s Martin Brundle suggest the seven-time world champion might have joined the Italian outfit at just the right time.
Hamilton’s highly anticipated debut for F1’s most iconic team unfolded this week at Fiorano amid a massive gathering of passionate Ferrari fans who converged to the test track to witness the historic moment.
Amid the buzz, Brundle has added fuel to the excitement, suggesting that Ferrari may have outpaced their rivals, including reigning champions McLaren, in winter development – a potential game-changer for Hamilton’s prospects with his new team.
A New Beginning at Ferrari
Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari marks the dawn of a new chapter for the Briton, whose career has been defined by both record-breaking success and recent struggles.
The 2024 season saw Hamilton finish a disappointing seventh in the Drivers’ Championship – his lowest position in over a decade – despite securing two wins and five podiums.
Inconsistencies, particularly in qualifying, plagued his campaign, with four Q1 exits highlighting the challenges of an underperforming Mercedes package.
Hamilton is hoping to rediscover his winning form alongside Charles Leclerc at the Scuderia.
Thousands of Ferrari fans turned out to watch his first laps at Fiorano, and their faith in the Briton is unmistakable, with expectations already mounting for him to deliver Ferrari’s first championship since 2007.
Adding to the optimism is Brundle’s recent analysis, which points to the Scuedriai making significant strides over the winter.
Brundle: Ferrari May Have Found an Edge
Speaking on Sky Sports, Brundle offered a promising assessment of Ferrari’s progress during the off-season.
With McLaren entering 2025 as favorites following their Constructors’ Championship triumph last year, Brundle’s remarks signal that Ferrari may be better positioned than expected to challenge their rivals.
©Ferrari
“At the moment, the feeling is Ferrari might have improved their car a little bit more than, say, McLaren or others,” Brundle explained.
“What I do know is that the regulations are very mature and so, we’re not expecting one team to suddenly jump ahead, because they’re reaching the peak, in their last season with these regulations, how the cars can perform.
However, even marginal improvements could make a critical difference in what promises to be a fiercely competitive season.
“We know McLaren are confident in their data as well, of what their new car looks like,” he added.
“It should be one of the greatest seasons in Formula 1 history. It should be so close, and whoever wins it will win a great championship.”
Still a Winning Combination, with the Right Car
Brundle acknowledges that at 40, Hamilton may no longer be the blindingly fast relentless force he once was out on the track.
However, he firmly believes that “96-97 per cent” of Hamilton, paired with the right car, remains a championship-winning combination.
“Let’s imagine Silverstone last year,” Brundle said. “When he had a chance to win the British GP, he won it.
“He won in Spa but that was a little bit lucky because George got disqualified. Lewis was extraordinary all through practice in Las Vegas and then fluffed it in qualifying, something he didn’t used to do much, and then was extraordinary in the race.
©Ferrari
“I think the speed is there. Do I think the best of Lewis Hamilton is ahead or behind him? I think it’s behind him.
“I think he’s lost an edge with age, as you do. Sometimes he gets in scuffles that he used to emerge out of, but he doesn’t now, or he’ll make a mistake in qualifying.
“But I think 96-97 per cent of Lewis Hamilton in a winning car is still good enough.
“He’s got all the experience, and his energy and enthusiasm will be re-energised by the whole experience. He will not be overwhelmed driving a Ferrari like so many drivers have.
“And let’s not forget, despite not being a Ferrari driver, the Italian fans, known as the Tifosi, adore him. They cheered him even when he was winning in a Mercedes.”
A Point to Prove
Brundle also reckons that Hamilton will be driven to prove to the world – and to his former Mercedes team boss, Toto Wolff – that he is far from past his prime.
“This is only his third team in Formula 1, and he will want to go there and show that, despite just turning 40, he’s not over the hill like some people were saying last year,” he said.
“He wants to show he has made the right decision again, and I think he’ll go there full of energy.
“I have no doubt that if Ferrari have a race-winning car or a championship-winning car, then Lewis can win races, and even the championship.”
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