Lewis Hamilton: Martin Brundle has ‘no doubt’ Ferrari driver can win record-breaking eighth F1 world title

Lewis Hamilton still has what it takes to win a record-breaking eighth F1 world title following his move to Ferrari, according to Sky Sports F1‘s Martin Brundle

Hamilton has been enjoying his first week of work at Ferrari after getting behind the wheel of their 2023 F1 car at their Fiorano test track in Italy on Wednesday, with 1,500 spectators in attendance.

The 40-year-old was watched on by his family and completed 30 laps (55 miles) to get used to new race engineer Riccardo Adami and the systems of the Ferrari car, having only previously driven using Mercedes power in F1.

“He is unquestionably [worth the money], already,” Brundle told Sky Sports News.

“Two of the biggest names in the 75-year history of Formula 1, some might say the biggest names. Lewis Hamilton dressed all in the scarlet of the prancing horse, an absolutely extraordinary story. It’s a story, a gift, that will keep giving for us at Sky F1.

“This is only Hamilton’s 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, and he will want to show he has made the right decision again. He will go there full of energy.”

But, Hamilton was outperformed by team-mate George Russell in his final season for Mercedes in 2024, particularly in Qualifying where Russell led the head-to-head 19-5.

He did not score a podium in the opening nine races for the first time in his career and there were question marks about his speed.

Hamilton controversially lost the 2021 world title to Max Verstappen and is tied with Michael Schumacher on seven Drivers’ Championships, which Brundle thinks is a record the British driver can still break.

“There are some big challenges, his team-mate Charles Leclerc has been there seven years effectively and knows exactly where the buttons are, and who does what, and makes things happen,” said Brundle.

“Lewis will have to face that, and the fact Leclerc is incredibly fast. But 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.”

Brundle: Hamilton best behind him but he’s still good enough

Hamilton ended a 56-race winless streak by triumphing at the British Grand Prix in July, before adding a record-extending 105th race victory in Belgium later that month.

There was little success over the rest of the season though but he showed glimpses of his best form with strong drives through the field in Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi.

“Let’s imagine Silverstone last year. When he had a chance to win the British GP, he won it,” said Brundle.

“He won in Spa but that was a little bit lucky because George [Russell] 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.

“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.”

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