Brundle: Hamilton still capable of winning with Ferrari

Martin Brundle believes Lewis Hamilton has successfully adapted to Ferrari and the new 2026 car regulations, positioning him as a genuine championship contender. The Sky Sports analyst noted Hamilton's improved mood and performance, suggesting he is "very much capable" of taking a victory if the opportunity arises, despite the strong early-season form of Mercedes and his teammate Charles Leclerc.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's move to Ferrari was one of the biggest storylines in F1 history, and after a challenging first season in 2025, his performance in 2026 is a critical indicator of whether the partnership can deliver a title. Brundle's analysis suggests the seven-time champion has overcome initial hurdles and is now a key player in what he calls a "wide open" championship fight, adding significant intrigue to the intra-team battle with Leclerc and the challenge to Mercedes' early dominance.

The details:

• A Turnaround in Form: After a difficult 2025 season where Hamilton and Ferrari finished fourth in the constructors' standings, the team has started 2026 strongly, currently sitting second.
• Regulation Reset: Brundle points to the new 2026 technical regulations as a major factor, stating Hamilton "clearly enjoys these cars much more" than the previous generation of ground-effect cars, which he felt didn't suit his driving style.
• Competitive Mindset: The analyst observed a visible change in Hamilton's demeanor, linking his happier mood directly to Ferrari's increased competitiveness. The central challenge now is consistently outperforming teammate Charles Leclerc, who is third in the standings.
• The Mercedes Benchmark: The championship is currently led by Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli, with George Russell second, after the team dominated the opening three rounds.

What's next:

Brundle predicts the championship will "ebb and flow," with the upcoming Miami Grand Prix—a Sprint weekend—offering a key opportunity for points swings. He believes the high development potential of the new cars means any of the top eight drivers from the leading four teams could win the title, setting the stage for a volatile and unpredictable season where Hamilton's experience could prove decisive.