Brundle predicts Hamilton rebound at Ferrari, but warns he must beat Leclerc

Sky F1 pundit Martin Brundle believes Lewis Hamilton is poised for a stronger second season with Ferrari in 2026, but the key to his championship aspirations lies in consistently outperforming teammate Charles Leclerc. Brundle also forecasts a wide-open, four-team title fight and sees George Russell as a genuine contender for Mercedes.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's move to Ferrari was the story of 2025, but his debut season was defined by being soundly beaten by Leclerc. For the seven-time champion to re-enter the title conversation, he must first re-establish dominance within his own team—a psychological and performance hurdle that will define his legacy at Maranello. Meanwhile, the competitive landscape appears to be shifting towards a multi-team battle at the front.

The details:

• Hamilton's Crucial Task: Brundle acknowledges Hamilton seems "a bit happier" and will excel with Ferrari's new technical tools, but states unequivocally: "He’s got to beat Charles Leclerc." He notes a "happy Lewis has always been... a fast Lewis," suggesting the driver's mindset is critical.
• Ferrari's Promising Position: The commentator is optimistic about the team's direction, noting Ferrari has been "quite innovative over the winter" and looks to be in "a better place than we’ve seen them for a few years now."
• A Wide-Open 2026 Grid: Brundle sees no clear favorite, predicting a fierce battle between Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes, and Red Bull. He highlighted the strength of each team's lineup, from a "mission-driven" Oscar Piastri to Max Verstappen's unparalleled car control.
• Russell's Time to Shine: With Hamilton departed, Brundle believes George Russell is ready to lead Mercedes' title charge. He describes Russell as "the king of the castle" who is "completely out of Lewis's shadow" and has the experience and team respect to handle a volatile season. Brundle dismissed concerns about Russell handling championship pressure, citing his resilience alongside Hamilton.

What's next:

The 2026 season shapes up as one of the most intriguing in recent memory. Hamilton's internal battle with Leclerc will be a central narrative, while the external war involves at least four constructors. Russell's emergence as Mercedes' team leader adds another compelling layer to the championship fight. Success for any driver will depend not only on their car's performance but on winning these critical intra-team and inter-team duels from the very first race.