Lewis Hamilton nonetheless has what it takes to win a record-breaking eighth F1 world title following his transfer to Ferrari, in keeping with Sky Sports activities F1‘s Martin Brundle
Hamilton has been having fun with his first week of labor at Ferrari after getting behind the wheel of their 2023 F1 automobile at their Fiorano take a look at observe in Italy on Wednesday, with 1,500 spectators in attendance.
The 40-year-old was watched on by his household and accomplished 30 laps (55 miles) to get used to new race engineer Riccardo Adami and the programs of the Ferrari automobile, having solely beforehand pushed utilizing Mercedes energy in F1.
“He is unquestionably [worth the money], already,” Brundle informed Sky Sports activities Information.
“Two of the most important names within the 75-year historical past of Method 1, some may say the most important names. Lewis Hamilton dressed all within the scarlet of the prancing horse, a completely extraordinary story. It is a story, a present, that can maintain giving for us at Sky F1.
“This is only Hamilton’s third team in Formula 1, and he will want to go there and show that, despite just turning 40, he’s not over the hill like some people were saying last year, and he will want to show he has made the right decision again. He will go there full of energy.”
However, Hamilton was outperformed by team-mate George Russell in his last season for Mercedes in 2024, significantly in Qualifying the place Russell led the head-to-head 19-5.
He didn’t rating a podium within the opening 9 races for the primary time in his profession and there have been query marks about his pace.
Hamilton controversially misplaced the 2021 world title to Max Verstappen and is tied with Michael Schumacher on seven Drivers’ Championships, which Brundle thinks is a report the British driver can nonetheless break.
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Followers erupt in cheers and chants as Hamilton arrives on the observe for his first take a look at session with Ferrari
“There are some big challenges, his team-mate Charles Leclerc has been there seven years effectively and knows exactly where the buttons are, and who does what, and makes things happen,” stated Brundle.
“Lewis will have to face that, and the fact Leclerc is incredibly fast. But I have no doubt that if Ferrari have a race-winning car or a championship-winning car, then Lewis can win races and even the championship.”
Brundle: Hamilton finest behind him however he is nonetheless ok
Hamilton ended a 56-race winless streak by triumphing on the British Grand Prix in July, earlier than including a record-extending one hundred and fifth race victory in Belgium later that month.
There was little success over the remainder of the season although however he confirmed glimpses of his finest kind with robust drives by way of the sector in Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi.
“Let’s imagine Silverstone last year. When he had a chance to win the British GP, he won it,” stated Brundle.
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Scuderia Ferrari share model new EXTENDED footage of Hamilton’s first take a look at drive in crimson – from storage to trace!!! (Credit score: Scuderia Ferrari)
“He won in Spa but that was a little bit lucky because George [Russell] got disqualified. Lewis was extraordinary all through practice in Las Vegas and then fluffed it in qualifying, something he didn’t used to do much, and then was extraordinary in the race.
“I feel the pace is there. Do I feel the most effective of Lewis Hamilton is forward or behind him? I feel it is behind him.
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Check out what Hamilton received as much as on his first day at Ferrari
“I think he’s lost an edge with age, as you do. Sometimes he gets in scuffles that he used to emerge out of, but he doesn’t now, or he’ll make a mistake in qualifying. But I think 96-97 per cent of Lewis Hamilton in a winning car is still good enough.
“He is received all of the expertise, and his vitality and enthusiasm might be re-energised by the entire expertise. He is not going to be overwhelmed driving a Ferrari like so many drivers have. And let’s not neglect, regardless of not being a Ferrari driver, the Italian followers, generally known as the Tifosi, adore him. They cheered him even when he was profitable in a Mercedes.”
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