Formula 1 pundit Martin Brundle believes even “96-97 per cent” of Lewis Hamilton in a fast car is good enough ahead of his move to Ferrari this year.
Tifosi fans flocked to Ferrari’s test track this week in Fiorano to catch a glimpse of the seven-time World Champion as he begins the new chapter of his glittering F1 career.
After winning six titles with Mercedes in 12 seasons, Hamilton left the Silver Arrows in what was a difficult season with many ups and downs.
The highlight of the year for the British driver was victory at his home Grand Prix for a record ninth time.
But whilst Hamilton focuses on fulfilling his childhood dream of driving for Ferrari, the disappointments of 2024 linger on the minds of the Maranello-based squad.
Last season, the 40-year-old himself conceded at one point that he no longer possesses the required speed to fight at the front.
Brundle recently offered his insights on the matter stating that whilst the best of Hamilton is “behind him”, you can’t rule out him winning the elusive eighth World Championship.
“Let’s imagine Silverstone last year,” Brundle told Sky Sports F1. “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 [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.”
Hamilton has a point to prove at Ferrari
Hamilton accompanies Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso, his ex-team-mate at McLaren, as the only other driver still competing in his 40s on the current F1 grid.
Doubts over his age have led to questions over whether he can still perform at his very best for Ferrari.
Brundle, however, thinks Hamilton’s decision to move to the Italian marque will reignite that fire inside his soul that diminished in his closing seasons at Mercedes.
“He’s got all the experience, and his energy and enthusiasm will be re-energised by the whole experience,” Brundle explained.
“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.”
Last year, Toto Wolff remarked whilst speaking to Matt Whyman for his ‘Mercedes F1: Life in the Fast Lane’ book that “everyone has a shelf life”.
The Austrian denied his comment was about Hamilton, but Brundle suggested that the centurion race winner could use such comments to motivate himself and prove the doubters wrong.
“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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