Martin Brundle still sees Lewis Hamilton as a potential title contender in the 2026 Formula 1 season. After a challenging debut year with Ferrari—marked by a lack of podiums and three consecutive Q1 eliminations at the end of the season—the seven-time world champion remains, in the eyes of the former driver and Sky Sports analyst, a credible candidate for the championship in the new regulatory era.
This view runs counter to popular opinion and reopens the discussion about the value of experience, motivation, and adaptability to change.
Hamilton, Ferrari, and the chance to return to the top
Hamilton’s first season in red was complicated, with a difficult-to-handle car and an internal comparison with Charles Leclerc that saw him clearly defeated. Yet, according to Brundle, the picture is far from final.
He sees Hamilton calmer, more aligned with the team, and most importantly ready to fully exploit the 2026 technical regulations, which could shuffle the hierarchy in Formula 1 like rarely before.
Martin Brundle makes it clear: “As F1 fans, we always want Ferrari to do well, right? I’d love to see Lewis succeed.”
He adds a key point about Hamilton’s emotional and technical state: “He seems a little happier. He’ll be brilliant at using the tools the new rules give him. He has to beat Charles Leclerc in the other Ferrari, because he’s very strong too. But a happy Lewis has always meant, and not just at Ferrari, a fast Lewis. I have to say Ferrari has been quite innovative over the winter and seems to be in a better position than we’ve seen in recent years.”
2026: an open field with no clear favorite
Brundle also considers Hamilton’s rivals, noting that 2026 will not have a clear favorite: “I think both McLaren drivers will be strong. Oscar Piastri will return with a mission after what he learned last year; Lando Norris, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him without that big smile so far this year, now he feels really comfortable. Red Bull looks very strong, and we know Max [Verstappen]’s control, which is fundamental with these cars, will be incredible. So for me, there’s no clear favorite.”
Russell, Mercedes, and another potential title story
Martin Brundle doesn’t limit his analysis to Hamilton. Among the drivers ready to fight for the championship, he also includes George Russell, currently considered the bookmakers’ favorite for 2026. According to Brundle, Russell has everything needed to make the definitive leap.
“I think he’s ready. He’s a smart guy; they’re all smart guys. George has the team behind him. Kimi Antonelli will be stronger this year in the other car, but George is completely out of Lewis [Hamilton]’s shadow… he’s the king of the castle at Mercedes-Benz.”
Brundle recalls Russell’s journey, with difficult years at Williams and arriving at Mercedes just as the team had stopped dominating: “He spent all those years at Williams and then went to Mercedes when they stopped dominating, so he did the hard work. I think he has the experience, he has control of the car, and he’ll earn the team’s respect to help drive what will be an incredibly unpredictable year.”
He adds a point about the driver’s maturity: “Last year we wondered if Lando [Norris] and Oscar [Piastri] would crack under Max’s pressure, but they didn’t. I think George is in a great moment. Remember, he grew up in Lewis Hamilton’s shadow at Mercedes, but he managed it and in their final year as teammates, he beat Lewis decisively. So I have no doubts about him. They’re all world-class F1 drivers; you have to beat them somehow. I think George now has so much experience, despite being under 30, that nothing can distract him if he has a championship-winning car.”
The 2026 season promises to be wide open, a fertile ground for those who can best interpret the new regulations and build strong team relationships. For Martin Brundle, Lewis Hamilton still has everything needed to fight for the title: experience, talent, motivation, and a Ferrari that seems to have regained ambition and clarity. At the same time, Russell appears ready for the definitive step forward, while McLaren and Red Bull remain serious threats. In such an open context, the story of the next World Championship could be written by whoever reinvents themselves best.
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