Brundle backs Hamilton for stronger 2026 Ferrari season

Sky Sports F1 analyst Martin Brundle is confident Lewis Hamilton will have a significantly better 2026 season with Ferrari, following a challenging first year at Maranello where he failed to secure a single Grand Prix podium. The seven-time champion is now fully integrated into the team and poised to leverage his experience with the sport's new technical regulations.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's performance is a major narrative for F1, and a competitive resurgence at Ferrari would captivate a global audience. After a difficult 2025 adaptation season, his ability to bounce back at age 41 and challenge for an eighth title would be a historic sporting story, while also validating his high-profile team switch.

The details:

• A Season of Adjustment: Hamilton's 2025 season was marked by struggle, serving as an adjustment period to the Ferrari team and operations, with his sole highlight being a sprint race win in China.
• Brundle's Optimism: The former F1 driver points to Hamilton's improved happiness and his proven skill at maximizing new regulatory tools as key factors for a turnaround.
• The Internal Benchmark: Brundle emphasizes that Hamilton's primary challenge is beating teammate Charles Leclerc, who is described as being "right on it."
• Team Progress: Ferrari is noted for being "quite innovative over the winter," suggesting the team itself is in a stronger technical position heading into 2026.
• Hamilton's Personal Investment: Co-presenter Craig Slater highlighted that Hamilton has deeply invested his "DNA" into the 2026 car, a contrast to last year where he was publicly adjusting, indicating much stronger integration and influence.

What's next:

All eyes will be on whether Hamilton's hard work and Ferrari's winter development translate into a car capable of regular podium contention. While he faces fierce competition from drivers half his age, a happy and settled Hamilton in a competitive Ferrari could make the quest for an eighth championship a reality, creating immense excitement for the 2026 season.