Brundle's warning to Hamilton: 'No excuses – quick start crucial'

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Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle has warned that Lewis Hamilton will need to get up to speed with Ferrari within the first few races or risk being overshadowed by teammate Charles Leclerc.

The seven-time world champion is set to begin his new chapter with the Scuderia in just over a month, and expectations are sky-high.

Hamilton's move to the House of Maranello is one of the biggest stories in modern F1 history, pairing the sport's most successful drives with its most iconic team.

But beyond the spectacle, Brundle argues that Hamilton must make an immediate impact, as his teammate Leclerc already has an established presence within the Italian outfit.

Hamilton Must Hit the Ground Running

Ferrari's internal dynamics will be crucial in determining how Hamilton integrates, and with limited time to adapt, the Briton faces a steep challenge.

Brundle is adamant that Hamilton's wealth of experience must translate into quick results.

"He's got to do that. He's got to use his experience," Brundle told Sky Sports News.

"There are no excuses at this level for anybody, even the rookies, but you might give the rookies half a season to get their act together, maximum.

"They will expect somebody like Lewis to have aced the people around him and the car within two or three races, to be honest. Never underestimate Lewis Hamilton."

The 'Gift That Keeps Giving'

While Hamilton's on-track performance will be under scrutiny, Brundle also highlights the immense value he brings to Ferrari off the track.

His marketability and global stature make him a priceless asset for the team, even before turning a wheel in competition.

"Unquestionably. Already," Brundle said when asked if Hamilton was worth the reported $57 million Ferrari will pay him in his first season.

"Two of the biggest names in the 75-year history of Formula 1 – some would maybe say the biggest two names in Ferrari and Hamilton – are getting together.

"Lewis dressed all in the red, the scarlet of the prancing horse. An absolutely extraordinary story, the gift that will keep giving for us."

Brundle remains confident in Hamilton's ability to thrive at Ferrari, though he acknowledges the significant challenges ahead.

The Briton will have to adapt to a new environment, a different language, and an entirely different team culture.

"But I think he will [succeed]," added the former Grand Prix driver. "He had all that time at McLaren, then Mercedes.

"This is only his third team in Formula 1 and he'll want to go there and show that despite just turning 40, he's not over the hill like some people saying last year and he wants to show he's made the right decision again."

Challenges and Adjustments

Nevertheless, Brundle points out that adjusting to Ferrari will not be straightforward.

"I think he'll go there full of energy," he continued. "Bit of a challenge, though, because he's in a different language, has to understand where all the green buttons are in a team.

"He's left behind Bono, his famous engineer, and the comfort zone of Mercedes, so it won't be that easy. And that's why, I think, he's parachuted back in Angela [Cullen, trainer] and his manager, Marc Hynes, to get a team around him."

The battle within Ferrari will be intense, with Leclerc having spent seven years establishing himself as the team's focal point.

Brundle highlights the difficulty Hamilton will face in competing with a teammate who knows every detail of the team's inner workings.

"Some big challenges [ahead]. Charles Leclerc, his team-mate, has been there for seven years, knows exactly where all the green buttons are and who does what, who makes things happen, and so Lewis will have to face that," explained.

"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."

With high expectations and immense pressure, Hamilton's ability to adapt quickly to Ferrari will be pivotal in determining his success.

Brundle's message is clear: the clock will start ticking the moment the lights go out in Australia, and Hamilton must deliver right from the outset.

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