Why Martin Brundle Would ‘Never’ Bet Against Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari—it’s the move that has sent shockwaves through Formula 1, igniting endless debates among fans, pundits, and ex-drivers alike. While some call it a masterstroke, others are convinced it’s a desperation move from a driver clinging to his past glory. And amid the whirlwind of speculation, Martin Brundle has weighed in with his typically candid take, declaring that Hamilton will be “faster” in F1 2025 but still faces monumental challenges at the Scuderia. But is Brundle’s assessment spot on, or is he underestimating the complexities of Hamilton’s latest gamble?

Hamilton’s Risky But Familiar Gamble

Hamilton has never been one to shy away from bold career moves. Remember when he left McLaren in 2012 to join Mercedes? Back then, most thought he had lost his mind. Jenson Button, his then-teammate, flatly said it was the “wrong decision.” Ex-F1 driver Allan McNish confidently predicted Hamilton wouldn’t win a single race in 2013. Even Brundle, who now supports Hamilton’s Ferrari switch, called it a “gamble” at the time.

Fast-forward a decade, and Hamilton silenced his critics by turning Mercedes into a dominant force, securing six world titles and rewriting F1’s record books. So, is history repeating itself? Or is Ferrari, a team that hasn’t produced a World Champion since 2007, the wrong bet this time around?

Brundle’s Take: Expect a Faster, Hungrier Hamilton

Brundle, a seasoned F1 pundit and ex-driver, believes Hamilton will be “completely energised” by the Ferrari challenge. And that energy, he claims, will translate into raw speed.

“I think Lewis will be energised completely. He’s faster,” Brundle told The Sun. “Think back to Silverstone last year, think back to Las Vegas last year. Lewis was fast as and I think he’ll want to show everybody he’s made yet another good decision.”

Brundle’s logic is simple: Hamilton has something to prove. He’s stepping into the most iconic team in F1 history, eager to cement his legacy by winning with the Prancing Horse. And when you put a driver of Hamilton’s caliber in a pressure-cooker situation, expect fireworks.

Leclerc: The Silent Threat Ferrari Fans Won’t Talk About

While many are hyping up Hamilton’s Ferrari move as a fairytale comeback, Brundle injects a dose of reality: Charles Leclerc isn’t going to roll over.

“He’s got his hands full because Charles Leclerc is very fast. All the youngsters there, they’re barely half his age, some of them, and they’re fast and they’re fearless,” Brundle noted.

Leclerc has long been Ferrari’s golden boy, and despite the team’s struggles, he’s often outperformed his machinery. Unlike Hamilton’s previous Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas—who rarely put up a serious title fight—Leclerc is aggressive, relentless, and fiercely competitive. If Ferrari builds a winning car, their internal battle could become the biggest talking point of the 2025 season.

Why Brundle Refuses to Write Hamilton Off

Despite admitting Hamilton’s “best days are behind him,” Brundle still believes that even a slightly diminished Hamilton remains a serious title threat. He points to Hamilton’s vast experience, racecraft, and mental resilience as assets that could tip the balance in a close championship fight.

“I think the speed is there,” Brundle told Sky F1. “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 percent 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.”

Brundle also made an interesting observation about Ferrari’s passionate fanbase, the Tifosi, noting that they already adore Hamilton—even when he was winning in a Mercedes. Now that he’s in red? Expect the love affair to go into overdrive.

Will Ferrari Finally Deliver a Winning Car?

While much of the focus is on Hamilton himself, the elephant in the room is Ferrari’s ability (or inability) to build a championship-winning car. Let’s face it: Ferrari hasn’t exactly been the model of efficiency over the past decade. Strategy errors, in-fighting, and unreliable machinery have often doomed their title campaigns before they even got off the ground.

Even Sebastian Vettel—another multiple World Champion who joined Ferrari to recreate Schumacher-like dominance—failed to clinch a title with the team. If Ferrari hasn’t learned from its past mistakes, Hamilton’s switch might turn out to be more of a PR stunt than a genuine shot at an eighth World Championship.

A Title-Winning Hamilton at Ferrari: Dream or Delusion?

Brundle acknowledges that Ferrari is a different beast. Some drivers thrive under its chaotic energy (think Schumacher), while others crumble under the relentless pressure (think Fernando Alonso and Vettel). But he insists that Hamilton won’t be overwhelmed by the challenge.

“He will not be overwhelmed driving a Ferrari like so many drivers have,” Brundle asserted. And if Ferrari does provide a competitive package, Hamilton could very well add another chapter to his already legendary career.

But let’s be real: Hamilton doesn’t have time to wait for Ferrari to “figure it out.” At 40 years old in 2025, he needs an immediate title-contending car. If Ferrari isn’t ready, this could be the biggest miscalculation of his career.

So, Who’s Right—Brundle or the Skeptics?

Brundle’s assessment of Hamilton is fair—he will be fast, motivated, and ready for battle. But the question remains: will it be enough? If Ferrari can finally get its act together, Hamilton has every chance to silence his critics once again. If not, this move might go down as one of the most overhyped transfers in F1 history.

One thing is for certain: whether you love him or hate him, Hamilton’s Ferrari move ensures that F1 2025 will be must-watch drama from start to finish. And if Brundle is right, it might just be the year Hamilton reminds everyone why he’s one of the greatest to ever do it.