Brundle: Happier Hamilton Can Still Win Races Amid 'Wide Open' 2026 Season

Martin Brundle has offered a compelling assessment of Lewis Hamilton's prospects at Ferrari, suggesting that the seven-time world champion's newfound happiness could be the catalyst for additional race victories in what he describes as a 'wide open' 2026 Formula 1 season.

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The British racing legend, speaking ahead of the sport's resumption, indicated that Hamilton's move to Maranello has revitalized the driver who dominated the sport for over a decade. "When a driver is happy, when they feel valued and believe in the project, that translates directly to performance," Brundle noted. "Lewis looks like a man who has rediscovered his love for racing."

The 2026 season marks a significant technical shift with new power unit regulations, creating what many observers believe is the most unpredictable championship battle in recent memory. Brundle emphasized that this uncertainty favors experienced drivers who can adapt quickly to changing conditions.

"The new regulations mean every team is essentially starting from scratch in many ways," Brundle explained. "That levels the playing field considerably. A driver of Hamilton's caliber, free from the political dynamics he faced at Mercedes, can focus entirely on extracting maximum performance."

Hamilton joined Ferrari in a blockbuster move that sent shockwaves through the paddock, ending his successful but sometimes turbulent partnership with Mercedes. Early indications suggest the British driver has settled well into his new environment, forming strong relationships with the Italian squad's technical team.

Ferrari enters the 2026 campaign with ambitions of ending their prolonged championship drought, having not secured a drivers' title since Kimi Räikkönen's 2007 victory. Brundle believes Hamilton's presence brings both speed and mental fortitude that could prove decisive in a tight championship fight.

"Lewis has won in every era he's raced in," Brundle concluded. "There's no reason to think he can't do it again, particularly when the stars align like they have at Ferrari. The car will need to deliver, but if it does, Hamilton will be there to capitalize."