Brundle Observes a 'Happier' Hamilton as New F1 Season Approaches

Sky Sports F1 analyst Martin Brundle has noted a visible shift in Lewis Hamilton's demeanor, describing the seven-time champion as appearing "happier" following pre-season testing with Ferrari. This comes after a challenging debut year at Maranello in 2025, where Hamilton failed to secure a single podium finish. With Ferrari showing promising innovation over the winter, optimism is growing that both the driver and the team are poised for a stronger 2026 campaign.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's psychological state has historically been a significant barometer for his on-track performance. A positive and motivated Hamilton is one of the most formidable competitors in F1 history. His renewed optimism, coupled with apparent technical progress from Ferrari, suggests the Scuderia could finally mount a sustained challenge to end their championship drought, revitalizing a key narrative for the sport.

The details:

• Brundle's observation centers on Hamilton's improved outlook after getting to grips with the new 2026 Ferrari during testing, a stark contrast to the driver's difficult first season with the team.
• Hamilton himself acknowledged the mental toll of 2025, posting on social media that he had forgotten "who I was" during that tough period, making his current happier disposition more notable.
• The Sky F1 pundit directly linked mood to performance, stating, "a happy Lewis has always been a fast Lewis," and backed him to excel with the new regulatory tools available.
• Ferrari's Innovation: Brundle highlighted that Ferrari has been "quite innovative over the winter" and appears to be in a better competitive position than in recent years, providing the essential machinery for Hamilton's potential comeback.
• The Internal Benchmark: The immediate challenge for Hamilton is clear: outperforming teammate Charles Leclerc, who is deeply embedded within the team and consistently fast. Brundle noted Leclerc is "right on it as well," setting the stage for a high-stakes intra-team battle.

What's next:

All eyes will be on the season opener to see if Hamilton's renewed happiness translates into immediate pace and whether Ferrari's winter development has genuinely closed the gap to the front.

• The Hamilton-Leclerc partnership will be one of the most scrutinized dynamics on the grid, with its outcome critical to both drivers' title aspirations and the team's strategic harmony.
• If Ferrari's car is competitive, Hamilton will have the platform he needs to return to the podium and potentially fight for wins, reshaping the championship battle and fulfilling Brundle's hope that it all "comes right for Lewis."