Martin bundle:Hamilton’s Move to Ferrari: A Historic Partnership That Could…read more
Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has sparked a massive wave of excitement in Formula 1, with Martin Brundle calling it “one of the biggest stories in the history of the sport.” Hamilton, now 40 years old, is transitioning to his third F1 team after stints at McLaren and Mercedes, and many are eager to see how the seven-time world champion will perform in the iconic red car. Brundle pointed out the significant attention Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari has received, noting that his first appearance in Ferrari colors generated 5.4 million likes on social media, highlighting the importance of this partnership.
Hamilton’s motivation is clear: he wants to prove that age has not diminished his ability. Brundle believes that Hamilton is eager to show that he is still at the top of his game and not “over the hill.” However, adapting to Ferrari’s unique environment will be a considerable challenge. Brundle acknowledged that Hamilton’s shift from the familiar setup at Mercedes to Ferrari’s different system, culture, and team dynamics will require an adjustment period. To ease the transition, Hamilton has brought along some of his trusted personnel, including former physio Angela Cullen and manager Marc Hynes.
Ferrari’s existing driver, Charles Leclerc, presents another challenge. Leclerc has been at the team for seven years, gaining an intimate understanding of Ferrari’s operations and culture. His familiarity with the team’s inner workings could give him an early advantage over Hamilton as the latter settles into his new surroundings.
Another key question is whether Hamilton is still at his peak. Brundle noted that while Hamilton was occasionally outperformed by his Mercedes teammate George Russell in recent seasons, he dismissed the idea that Hamilton is past his prime. Brundle highlighted Hamilton’s strong performances, such as his near-win at the British Grand Prix and victory in Spa (despite Russell’s disqualification), as evidence that the Briton is still capable of exceptional performances. Brundle argued that even if Hamilton isn’t operating at his absolute best, his experience and consistency still make him a formidable competitor.
The internal rivalry between Hamilton and Leclerc is likely to be a central storyline for Ferrari in 2025. Brundle believes that if both drivers are closely matched, they could end up taking points from each other, which could make the drivers’ championship more difficult for Ferrari. This situation could mirror what happened at McLaren, where Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri often found themselves battling for the same results.
Looking at the broader F1 landscape, Brundle suggested that 2025 could be one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory. With the technical regulations now established, no team is expected to gain a major advantage, although Ferrari and McLaren are both confident in their progress. Brundle also highlighted the ongoing uncertainties at Red Bull, particularly regarding whether they can recover the performance they lost late in 2024, especially with Adrian Newey stepping back from the team.
In conclusion, Brundle emphasized the enormity of Hamilton’s move to Ferrari. The team is not just a racing outfit; it carries immense national pride, and the expectations that come with that can be overwhelming. However, Brundle believes that Hamilton’s experience and resilience will help him handle the pressure. As pre-season testing approaches, all eyes will be on Hamilton as he embarks on this potentially game-changing chapter of his illustrious career. Fans are eager to see how this new Ferrari partnership unfolds, with Brundle dubbing it a “gift that keeps giving” for F1 enthusiasts.
