Martin Brundle suggests that the current challenges faced by Ferrari are not solely due to their choice of drivers. According to the former Formula 1 driver and current Sky Sports commentator, Lewis Hamilton’s exceptional driving skills alone will not be enough to solve the underlying issues at Maranello.
Brundle had expressed his views last year when there were rumors of Hamilton potentially joining Ferrari. However, those speculations were put to rest when the seven-time World Champion extended his contract with Mercedes for two more years.
Nevertheless, the world was taken by surprise on Thursday evening when it was officially announced that Hamilton will be racing for Ferrari starting from 2025. He will be taking over Carlos Sainz’s seat after the 2024 season, which will mark his final campaign with Mercedes. Hamilton has signed a “multi-year” agreement and will be partnering with Charles Leclerc for at least two seasons.
This transfer is widely regarded as one of the most significant in the history of the sport. Brundle had previously expressed his desire to witness Hamilton attempting to replicate the success of Michael Schumacher in a Ferrari. He had stated that it would be a fantastic narrative for the upcoming year.
While the prospect of Hamilton driving for Ferrari was once a mere fantasy, it will soon become a reality. However, Ferrari is currently facing challenges similar to those of Mercedes and is struggling to keep up with Red Bull. It remains unclear whether Hamilton has high expectations for 2025 or if he is looking ahead to 2026 when new power unit regulations will be introduced.
Regardless, Brundle believes that Hamilton alone cannot resolve the problems faced by Ferrari by simply stepping into the car. According to him, the team itself is not performing at the desired level, and their car lacks the necessary speed. Brundle emphasizes that Ferrari needs to focus on improving their vehicle rather than relying solely on their driver lineup, which includes the promising partnership of Hamilton and Sainz.