Martin Brundle thinks Mercedes won’t enjoy how happy Lewis Hamilton Looks at Ferrari
In a move that has sent ripples through the Formula 1 community, Lewis Hamilton’s transition from Mercedes to Ferrari has been a focal point of discussions as the 2025 season unfolds. Renowned F1 commentator and former driver, Martin Brundle, has been particularly vocal about the implications of this high-profile switch, especially concerning Hamilton’s former team, Mercedes.
Hamilton’s Ferrari Debut: A Mixed Start
Hamilton’s inaugural race weekend with Ferrari at the Australian Grand Prix presented a blend of challenges and learning curves. During the free practice sessions, Hamilton finished 12th and 5th, respectively, while his teammate, Charles Leclerc, showcased stronger performances. Notably, Hamilton was observed leaving the garage with his helmet still on—a gesture Brundle interpreted as a sign of frustration. Brundle commented, “What alarmed me a little bit was that Lewis came out the back of the garage wearing his crash helmet, which I never think is a good sign.”
Despite these initial hurdles, Hamilton expressed enthusiasm about his new journey with Ferrari, acknowledging the need to adapt his driving style to the car’s unique characteristics. Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, downplayed concerns, emphasizing that Hamilton is still acclimating to the team’s processes and expressing confidence in his imminent success.
Leclerc’s Perspective: Embracing the Shift in Focus
The internal dynamics at Ferrari have also been a subject of interest. Brundle suggested that Leclerc is “loving” the shift of attention and pressure onto Hamilton, allowing him to focus more on his performance without the intense spotlight. Leclerc responded to these observations by stating, “Obviously, Lewis is coming in the team as a legend of the sport and so there’s a lot more attention on him than there’s for me at the moment, but I’m completely fine with it.”
Mercedes’ Stance: Observing from the Sidelines
Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes, a team with which he secured six of his seven world championships, marks the end of a significant era. Brundle opined that this move might energize Mercedes, providing an opportunity for George Russell to step up as the team’s lead driver. He remarked, “I think it will energise Mercedes, losing Lewis, and it will be an opportunity for them to act in haste, repent at leisure.”
Hamilton’s Motivation: Rekindling the Racing Spirit
Brundle also delved into the possible motivations behind Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari. He theorized that Hamilton might be seeking to “get back to Lewis Hamilton, the racing driver,” focusing more on his core passion and distancing himself from external distractions. Brundle noted, “I think Lewis has probably gone ‘right, I’m going to stop focusing so much on all of the stuff outside of motor racing, and I just want to get back to Lewis Hamilton, the racing driver’.”
The Road Ahead: Navigating New Challenges
As Hamilton embarks on this new chapter with Ferrari, the F1 community is keenly observing how he adapts to the distinct culture and operational dynamics of the team. Brundle highlighted the challenges Hamilton might face, including integrating with a new engineer and adjusting to Ferrari’s unique environment. He stated, “Lewis has put as much around him as he can, knowing he’s going into a completely different culture of a team and he’s got to find his way.”
Conclusion: A Season of Intrigue and Anticipation
Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari not only signifies a personal quest for renewed motivation but also introduces a dynamic shift in the F1 landscape. Mercedes, now without their star driver, faces the challenge of redefining their strategy, while Ferrari aims to leverage Hamilton’s experience to reclaim championship glory. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this high-stakes narrative unfolds, with Brundle’s insights providing a nuanced understanding of the evolving dynamics.
