Lewis Hamilton has embarked on his highly anticipated journey with Ferrari, aiming to achieve what no driver has done before: an eighth Formula 1 World Championship. As the 40-year-old settles into his new role with the Prancing Horse, the spotlight is firmly on whether he can overcome age, adversity, and stiff competition to etch his name even deeper into the sport’s history.
Brundle: “96-97 per cent of Hamilton is enough”
Formula 1 pundit Martin Brundle has offered a pragmatic yet optimistic take on Hamilton’s chances. While acknowledging that the Briton’s best years may be behind him, Brundle insists that even a slightly diminished Hamilton is more than capable of winning when equipped with a competitive car.
“96-97 per cent of Lewis Hamilton in a winning car is still good enough,” Brundle told Sky Sports F1. “Do I think the best of Lewis Hamilton is ahead or behind him? I think it’s behind him—he’s lost an edge with age, as you do. But he’s still extraordinary in key moments, as we saw last year.”
A rejuvenated Hamilton at Ferrari
Brundle believes Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari could reignite his passion and bring out the best in the seven-time champion. Ferrari’s legendary status, combined with the adoration of the Tifosi, offers Hamilton a unique opportunity to rejuvenate his career after a challenging final season with Mercedes.
“He’s got all the experience, and his energy and enthusiasm will be re-energised by the whole experience,” Brundle explained. “He will not be overwhelmed driving a Ferrari like so many drivers have. And let’s not forget, despite not being a Ferrari driver, the Tifosi adore him.”
Hamilton himself has expressed excitement about the move, fulfilling a childhood dream of driving for Ferrari. His debut in Ferrari red at Fiorano drew a crowd of passionate fans, signaling the high expectations that await him in 2025.
Can Hamilton defy age and reclaim glory?
While Hamilton remains one of the most decorated drivers in F1 history, doubts over his age and recent form linger. Last season, the Briton openly admitted he struggled to find the pace to fight at the front consistently. However, moments of brilliance—like his record-breaking ninth British Grand Prix victory and strong performances in Spa and Las Vegas—highlight that his speed is far from gone.
Brundle believes Ferrari’s reported improvements over the winter could provide Hamilton with the tools he needs to succeed. “At the moment, the feeling is Ferrari might have improved the car a little bit more than McLaren or others,” he said. But he cautioned that Ferrari must deliver consistently from the season opener in Melbourne to give Hamilton a fighting chance.
Proving the doubters wrong
Hamilton enters his 19th season with a point to prove. After Mercedes boss Toto Wolff’s remark that “everyone has a shelf life” sparked debate about his longevity, Hamilton seems poised to use such doubts as fuel. Brundle summed it up: “He wants to show he’s not over the hill like some people were saying last year. If Ferrari have a race-winning or championship-winning car, Lewis can win races—and even the championship.”
A defining season ahead
The 2025 season presents Hamilton with a unique opportunity: to achieve immortality in the sport by winning an eighth title with Ferrari, while silencing critics who question his ability to compete at the highest level. With Red Bull, McLaren, and Mercedes all vying for supremacy, Hamilton’s success will hinge on Ferrari delivering the car he needs—and his ability to rise to the occasion, as he has done so many times before.
