Has Lewis Hamilton lost his speed? Martin Brundle weighs in
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Two days after his outing at Fiorano behind the wheel of a Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton has begun a long process of learning track procedures. Building a connection with his new race engineer, Riccardo Adami, and all the mechanics and engineers is crucial to delivering clear feedback. These aspects could influence Lewis Hamilton's speed, though Martin Brundle remains confident in his abilities.
After 12 years and six world championship titles with Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton fulfilled a “childhood dream” by officially becoming a Ferrari Formula 1 driver. Despite being the most successful driver in F1 history, Hamilton has only secured two wins under the current technical regulations. Many attribute the lack of victories to his age, but the reality is more tied to a Mercedes team that has stagnated under these rules.
Having lost the qualifying head-to-head against George Russell—only the second time in his 18-year career that he was outqualified by a teammate— Lewis Hamilton admitted last year that he's “no longer as fast.” Martin Brundle commented on this, acknowledging that Hamilton isn't the driver he once was but believes that “96-97%” of Lewis Hamilton, with the right car, remains a winning combination.
Has Lewis Hamilton lost his edge with age?
“Let's think about Silverstone last year,” Martin Brundle told Sky F1. “When he had the chance to win the British GP, he won it. He won at Spa, but he was a bit lucky because George was disqualified. Lewis was outstanding during all the practice sessions in Las Vegas, then made a mistake in qualifying, something he didn't often do, but he was extraordinary in the race.
“I think the speed is still there. Do I think the best of Lewis Hamilton is ahead or behind him? I think it's behind him. I believe he's lost a bit of sharpness with age, as happens to everyone. Sometimes he finds himself in battles he would have won before, but now he doesn't, or he makes a mistake in qualifying. But I believe that 96-97% of Lewis Hamilton in a winning car is still enough. He has all the experience, and his energy and enthusiasm will be renewed by this experience. He won't be overwhelmed by driving a Ferrari, as has happened to so many other drivers.
“And let's not forget that, despite not being a Ferrari driver in the past, the Italian fans, the so-called Tifosi, adore him. They cheered for him even when he was winning with Mercedes.” Martin Brundle believes Lewis Hamilton will also be motivated to prove to the world—and to his former Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff—that he is far from past his prime.
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