The anticipation surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari began long before his debut in Australia in March 2025, reaching levels of excitement rarely seen in modern Formula 1. Thousands of fans flocked to witness his first pre-season test at Fiorano, and the seven-time world champion entered the 2025 season full of hope and optimism.
However, what followed was a campaign marked by frustration and limited success for Lewis Hamilton. The British driver failed to secure a podium finish in any standard Grand Prix, only managing results in Sprint Races, and ended the season 86 points behind his new teammate, Charles Leclerc. While Charles Leclerc consistently demonstrated the raw speed and adaptability that had made him one of Formula 1’s most promising talents, Lewis Hamilton struggled to extract consistent performance from the Ferrari SF-25.
Ferrari themselves share much of the responsibility. Both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc faced dissatisfaction with the car throughout the season, and internal disagreements over development strategy only compounded the challenge. The Briton reportedly clashed with Ferrari’s technical director Loic Serra over the decision to reduce focus on the 2025 car and shift development priorities toward the 2026 regulations. This decision intensified pressure on the Scuderia and both drivers to deliver in a transitional year of Formula 1.
Martin Brundle’s pre-season predictions for Hamilton fall short
Before the Australian Grand Prix, Martin Brundle shared his pre-season insights and predictions on Sky Sports F1, covering drivers, teams, and potential surprises for the 2025 campaign. He correctly anticipated Max Verstappen winning the drivers’ championship and McLaren taking the Constructors’ title, and predicted Oliver Bearman as the most impressive rookie. Martin Brundle also foresaw Carlos Sainz claiming a podium outside the traditional top four, though the honor ultimately went to Nico Hulkenberg.
Martin Brundle specifically commented on Lewis Hamilton’s expected performance, noting that qualifying errors might be more frequent but that Hamilton “still had it” based on previous seasons. He referenced Hamilton’s resilience at Silverstone and his strong comeback in Las Vegas as examples of the British driver’s enduring talent. However, the reality of the 2025 season challenged this claim, as Lewis Hamilton struggled to match Charles Leclerc’s pace and reliability across the campaign.
George Russell’s performance validates Brundle’s foresight
In contrast, Brundle’s prediction about George Russell, Lewis Hamilton’s former Mercedes teammate, proved accurate. The F1 analyst highlighted Russell’s confidence and self-belief, noting that he would thrive in a leadership role at Mercedes, finally stepping out of Hamilton’s shadow. Russell’s consistent results throughout 2025 confirmed Martin Brundle’s expectations, keeping him firmly in the championship fight alongside top rivals from Red Bull, Mercedes, and other leading teams.
Looking ahead: Hamilton’s challenges in 2026
As Lewis Hamilton prepares for the 2026 season, he will likely monitor George Russell’s progress at Mercedes closely. Rumors suggest Mercedes could produce the most powerful engine under the new regulations, creating a high-stakes battle between the designers and engineers across the four major manufacturers. Alongside Mercedes, McLaren, Williams, and Alpine may emerge as serious competitors, meaning Lewis Hamilton’s ability to succeed will depend heavily on Ferrari’s adaptation to the new ruleset.
Even if Lewis Hamilton retains the talent and experience Martin Brundle praised, the 2026 campaign will test his capacity to convert that skill into results. Ferrari must deliver a competitive car and fully adapt to the 2026 regulations if Hamilton is to reclaim the top-tier success expected of a seven-time Formula 1 world champion. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc’s continued development and the lessons learned from Hamilton’s first year could shape the Scuderia’s strategy and performance for years to come.
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