Brutally, Martin Brundle maintains that he “doesn’t buy” Lewis Hamilton’s assertion that his departure from Mercedes will be “emotional.” The seven-time world champion will join Ferrari in the upcoming season, capping an excellent 11-year tenure with the Silver Arrows.
Six of Hamilton’s seven world championships have come from Mercedes. It was unexpected when he revealed two weeks ago that he would be moving to Ferrari in 2025, as the 39-year-old had been expected to retire with the squad.
Brundle, a pundit for Sky Sports, thinks Hamilton will be content to go after a year. He claims that any bad sentiments about leaving will be outweighed by the chance to compete for another World Championship following his recent difficulties with Mercedes, as well as by his contract and the attention he will receive from the media.
The former driver remarked, “I don’t buy all of this; ‘It’s going to be emotional leaving.'”
Lewis wants to continue winning because he is a winning machine. It’s a good contract; he’ll get paid well, receive plenty of love, and in 2025, it will be one of the biggest tales in international sports.”
According to Brundle, everyone will gain from Hamilton’s departure. Mercedes can now put the effort into helping the 39-year-old secure a record-tying ninth Drivers’ Championship behind them.
According to Brundle, George Russell will do well in his role as the lead driver, and Mercedes will have some time to find a replacement for Hamilton. Russell, who has occasionally suffered in Hamilton’s shadow, has a year to find the greatest possible partner, and Toto Wolff has that opportunity.
The former McLaren driver’s arrival will, meanwhile, “energise” Ferrari.
“The teams are a little dishonest when they tell you about new contract signings because they only tell you edited highlights that work for them,” Brundle went on. They obviously neglected to disclose Hamilton’s escape clause, which he has decided to exercise very early on.
I see that this is a chance for everyone. George Russell possesses the brilliance, talent, self-assurance, and quickness to take the lead and become the best driver. That is beyond doubt in my mind.
“I believe that losing Lewis will energize Mercedes and provide them with a chance to move quickly and then reflect later. They can hold out and observe [about Hamilton’s successor]. Why must they jump at this time?
“It will excite Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, and us spectators alike. Really, I don’t see any drawbacks there.”
