'Hamilton Can Still Take Wins' – Brundle Anticipates 'Big Step' from Ferrari as 2026 Season Heats Up

Martin Brundle has delivered a ringing endorsement of Lewis Hamilton's continued Formula 1 capabilities, insisting the seven-time world champion can still challenge for race wins as Ferrari prepares to launch its assault on the 2026 championship.

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Speaking ahead of the sport's highly anticipated return, former F1 driver and Sky Sports pundit Brundle pointed to Ferrari's off-season preparations as evidence that the Italian marque is ready to take a "big step" forward. The Scuderia has been working intensively on its power unit development while addressing the reliability concerns that hampered its 2025 campaign.

"Lewis absolutely can still take wins," Brundle declared. "The question has never been about his ability – it's about the package beneath him. Ferrari is committed to giving him a car capable of challenging at the front, and everything I'm hearing suggests they've made significant progress."

The 2026 season marks the beginning of what many are calling a "new championship" era, with sweeping technical regulations introducing new power unit formulas and revised aerodynamic guidelines. Brundle believes these changes could play directly into Hamilton's hands, providing a level playing field where experience and racecraft become paramount.

"When the regulations change this dramatically, it often favors the drivers who can adapt quickly and extract maximum performance from uncertain machinery," Brundle explained. "Lewis has proven throughout his career that he thrives in these situations. His ability to maximize a car's potential is still second to none."

Hamilton himself has remained characteristically measured in his public statements, focusing instead on the collective effort required from Ferrari. However, sources within the team suggest the British driver has been pushing hard during private testing sessions, demonstrating the hunger that drove his remarkable Mercedes career.

The first races of 2026 will prove crucial in determining whether Ferrari can bridge the gap to Red Bull and McLaren. Brundle, however, remains confident that Hamilton will be a factor from the outset.

"Don't underestimate what a motivated Lewis Hamilton can achieve," Brundle concluded. "If Ferrari gives him a winning car, he'll win races. That's simply who he is."