'Hamilton Can Still Take Wins' – Brundle Anticipates 'Big Step' from Ferrari

Former F1 driver Martin Brundle believes Lewis Hamilton can still compete for race victories in 2026, suggesting Ferrari's new car could provide the seven-time world champion with the machinery needed to challenge at the front.

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Hamilton made the blockbuster switch to Ferrari during the off-season, leaving Mercedes after 12 successful years that yielded six of his seven world championships. The move to Maranello represents the British driver's boldest career decision, joining the most storied team in Formula One history in pursuit of an unprecedented eighth world title.

Brundle, writing in his regular Sky Sports column, acknowledged that Hamilton faces a significant adaptation period but insisted the 40-year-old remains capable of delivering exceptional performances. The former McLaren and Jordan driver pointed to the British driver's remarkable consistency and hunger as evidence that his best years may not be entirely behind him.

The 2026 season marks a new era for Formula One with significant regulation changes that will reshape the competitive landscape. Brundle suggests these changes could actually benefit Hamilton, providing an opportunity for a fresh start with a team that has invested heavily in its technical department.

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has publicly backed Hamilton to deliver results, though the Italian squad has endured a challenging start to the ground effect era. The Prancing Horse finished a distant third in the constructors' championship last season, with the gap to front-running teams more significant than anyone at Maranello would have preferred.

Hamilton's arrival at Ferrari has generated unprecedented media attention, with the British driver completing his first pre-season test with the Scuderia last month. Early reports suggest the SF-90, Ferrari's new car for the 2026 season, handles differently from the Mercedes machinery Hamilton has driven since 2013.

The seven-time champion has been completing extensive simulator work to accelerate his adaptation process, with sources close to the driver suggesting he has been putting in grueling hours to master Ferrari's unique operational procedures and engineering philosophy.

Brundle expects Hamilton to be a genuine front-runner by the middle of the season, provided Ferrari can deliver a reliable and competitive package. The former British American Racing team owner emphasized that Hamilton's mental strength and experience make him uniquely suited to handle the pressure of racing for Ferrari.