Lewis Hamilton Can Still Win with Ferrari Says Martin Brundle

Former Formula 1 driver and Sky Sports analyst Martin Brundle has expressed confidence in seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton’s ability to secure victories with Ferrari, despite a challenging transition to the Italian team in 2025. Brundle’s assessment comes as Hamilton and Ferrari prepare for the Miami Grand Prix, the fourth round of the 2026 season, with the team currently second in the constructors’ championship and Hamilton fourth in the drivers’ standings.

Hamilton’s Adjustment to Ferrari

Hamilton joined Ferrari in 2025, marking a significant shift after 12 seasons with Mercedes, where he secured six of his seven world titles. His first year with the Maranello outfit was difficult, as Ferrari finished fourth in the constructors’ championship, and Hamilton failed to secure a single Grand Prix podium. The 2025 season was the final year of the previous regulatory era, which featured ground-effect cars that Brundle described as “brutal” and ill-suited to Hamilton’s driving style.

However, the introduction of new regulations in 2026 has provided a fresh opportunity for Hamilton and Ferrari. Brundle noted that Hamilton appears far more comfortable with the current generation of cars, which he believes align better with his strengths. “Lewis clearly enjoys these cars much more,” Brundle told Sky Sports F1. “Ferrari is more competitive, and I think will make a big step for Miami. Lewis obviously prefers this type of car to the seasons we had with the ground effect cars that were smashing against the ground and quite brutal things.”

The shift in car performance has coincided with a noticeable improvement in Hamilton’s mood and approach. Brundle observed that Hamilton seems “a lot happier” due to Ferrari’s increased competitiveness, which has translated into stronger on-track performances. Hamilton secured his first podium for Ferrari at the second round of the 2026 season in Shanghai, though he faced a more difficult weekend at the subsequent race in Suzuka.

Championship Outlook and Team Dynamics

Ferrari’s resurgence in 2026 has positioned the team as a genuine contender, sitting second in the constructors’ championship behind dominant leaders Mercedes. Hamilton’s teammate, Charles Leclerc, currently holds third place in the drivers’ standings, just eight points ahead of Hamilton. Brundle emphasized that Hamilton’s path to the world championship will require him to outperform Leclerc, a driver who has consistently demonstrated strong form in recent seasons.

“He’s got to beat Charles Leclerc if he’s going to win the world championship in the other Ferrari, and others,” Brundle said. “Let’s see if he can sustain that. If there’s a sniff of a victory, I think Lewis is still very much capable of taking that.” The competition between the two Ferrari drivers has already produced entertaining wheel-to-wheel battles in China and Japan, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the team’s championship ambitions.

Mercedes, meanwhile, has dominated the early rounds of the 2026 season, with drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell leading the championship standings. Antonelli holds a nine-point advantage over Russell, with the team securing victories in all three races so far. Despite Mercedes’ early dominance, Brundle described the 2026 season as “wide open,” suggesting that Ferrari’s upgrades and the evolving competitive landscape could yet reshuffle the order.

Ferrari’s Upgrades and the Miami Grand Prix

The Miami Grand Prix, set to take place this weekend, marks the return of Formula 1 after a five-week break. Brundle believes the extended hiatus has allowed teams to refine their cars significantly, with Ferrari poised to make a “big step” in performance. “F1’s return to action in the USA will be like a relaunch of the season,” Brundle said, highlighting the potential for teams to introduce upgrades that could alter the competitive balance.

Ferrari’s progress under the new regulations has been a key factor in Hamilton’s improved outlook. Brundle praised the team’s innovation over the winter, suggesting that Ferrari is in a stronger position than it has been in recent years. “Ferrari have been quite innovative over the winter, and they look in a better place than we’ve seen them for a few years now,” he said. “So I’m confident that Lewis will have a better year.”

Hamilton’s ability to capitalize on Ferrari’s improvements will be crucial as the season progresses. While Mercedes remains the team to beat, Ferrari’s strong start and Hamilton’s renewed confidence suggest that the championship race is far from decided. With the Miami Grand Prix serving as a potential turning point, all eyes will be on whether Hamilton can sustain his momentum and challenge for victories in the races ahead.

What’s Next for Hamilton and Ferrari?

The Miami Grand Prix will provide an early indication of whether Ferrari’s upgrades have closed the gap to Mercedes. If Hamilton can secure a strong result, it could signal the beginning of a sustained push for the world championship. However, the competition within Ferrari itself—particularly from Leclerc—means Hamilton will need to maintain consistency and extract the maximum from the car.

Brundle’s confidence in Hamilton’s ability to deliver when it matters most underscores the seven-time champion’s reputation as a driver who thrives under pressure. “A happy Lewis has always been, and not just at Ferrari, a fast Lewis,” Brundle noted, emphasizing the importance of Hamilton’s mental and emotional state in his performance. With Ferrari’s competitiveness on the rise, Hamilton’s 2026 campaign could yet prove to be one of his most compelling in recent years.

As the season unfolds, the battle between Hamilton and Leclerc, as well as Ferrari’s challenge to Mercedes, will be key storylines to watch. For now, Brundle’s vote of confidence serves as a reminder that Hamilton’s legacy in Formula 1 is far from complete, and his time at Ferrari could still yield significant success.