Lewis Hamilton, concluding a 12-year period with Mercedes, will join Charles Leclerc at Ferrari after the 2024 season.
Martin Brundle questions Lewis Hamilton’s claim that his departure from Mercedes for Ferrari in 2025 will elicit strong feelings.
Hamilton, finishing a 12-year stint with Mercedes, will team up with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari after the 2024 season.
Reflecting on this change during Mercedes’ 2024 car unveiling, the seven-time world champion described it as “extremely surreal” and acknowledged going through an emotional phase.
However, speaking on the recent episode of the Sky Sports F1 podcast, Brundle challenged the sentimentality surrounding Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes, describing him as a “dominant force”.
“I don’t believe all of this ‘it’s going to be emotional’, leaving [Mercedes],” he commented. “Lewis is a dominant force and that is what he wants to do.”
Highlighting the lucrative nature of Hamilton’s new contract and the significant attention the move will generate, Brundle envisioned a multitude of positives.
Mercedes has yet to decide on Hamilton’s replacement alongside George Russell for the 2025 season.
Possible candidates include F2 standout Andrea Kimi Antonelli, as well as established names such as Esteban Ocon, Carlos Sainz, Alex Albon, and Fernando Alonso.
Brundle advised Mercedes to be patient in choosing Hamilton’s successor, emphasizing the range of options available.
Carlos #Sainz addresses #Ferrari’s concerns https://t.co/OhDLwmYrl8
“Everyone has an opportunity here,” he stated. “George Russell has the confidence, talent, speed, and experience to take on the lead role and be the number one driver at Mercedes-Benz – I have no doubt about that.”
Brundle advocated for a cautious approach, suggesting Mercedes evaluate Antonelli’s performance along with other potential candidates throughout the upcoming season.
He also anticipated a rejuvenated dynamic within both Mercedes and Ferrari, fueled by the excitement generated by Hamilton’s move, and saw no drawbacks in the situation.
According to the Source formula1news.co.uk