Has Lewis Hamilton lost his edge? Martin Brundle says yes but…read more
Martin Brundle believes that while Lewis Hamilton may not be the driver he once was, he still has the potential to win titles, even at “96-97 percent” of his peak performance. Hamilton, who has dominated Formula 1 with seven World Championships and 105 race wins, recently made a high-profile switch from Mercedes to Ferrari, ending his 12-year stint with the Silver Arrows. Despite his success, Hamilton’s recent performances in F1’s ground-effect era have been less impressive, with only two wins in the past three years.
Last season, Hamilton admitted that he was “definitely not fast anymore,” especially after losing a head-to-head qualifying battle with teammate George Russell, his second-ever defeat to a teammate in 18 years of racing. Despite these setbacks, Brundle feels that Hamilton remains a force in the right circumstances. Brundle pointed out Hamilton’s strong showings at Silverstone and Spa in 2023, where he was in contention for victories, and his strong performances in races like Las Vegas, where he showed his speed, despite not performing as well in qualifying.
Brundle acknowledges that Hamilton has likely lost a bit of his sharpness with age, especially in situations where he would previously overcome challenges or avoid mistakes. However, he believes that 96-97 percent of Hamilton, combined with his vast experience, is still enough to compete for titles if he is in a competitive car. The energy Hamilton will bring to his new Ferrari role could reinvigorate him, and the support from the Tifosi—Ferrari’s passionate fanbase—will likely be a morale booster as well.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has sparked excitement, as the Scuderia have not won a World Championship since 2007, and their last Constructors’ title came in 2008. The team has come close in recent years, with drivers like Felipe Massa, Fernando Alonso, and Sebastian Vettel finishing as runner-up, and Charles Leclerc nearly clinching the title in 2022. Hamilton’s arrival in Maranello could mark the beginning of a new chapter for Ferrari, potentially ending the team’s championship drought.
Brundle also emphasized that Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is motivated by a desire to prove himself, especially after comments from Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. Wolff had previously suggested that Hamilton might be nearing the end of his career, citing concerns over the cognitive sharpness needed to excel in F1. Wolff had signed Hamilton to a one-year contract with an option for another, signaling a potential end to their partnership. Brundle believes Hamilton will be determined to prove his worth, not only to Ferrari but also to those who doubted his ability to continue competing at the highest level.
In conclusion, despite the signs of age catching up with him, Hamilton’s wealth of experience, competitive fire, and undiminished enthusiasm make him a formidable contender. Brundle is optimistic that, given the right car, Hamilton can still challenge for titles, and his new adventure with Ferrari will likely provide the motivation and energy needed to prove that his best years are not entirely behind him.
