Martin Brundle assesses Lewis Hamilton and George Russell's prospects heading into F1 2026.
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| Lewis Hamilton is still targeting an eighth world title |
Martin Brundle is confident Lewis Hamilton will be in the mix of the championship picture during the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton endured a nightmare debut season with Ferrari as he suffered the most disappointing campaign of his storied F1 career.
Hamilton failed to finish on a grand prix podium during a season for the first time in his F1 career, while he was comprehensively beaten by teammate Charles Leclerc and ended the year with three consecutive Q1 eliminations.
But Brundle believes a reenergised Hamilton, even at 41, will be back in the mix at the front of the grid in 2026.
“As Formula 1 fans, we always want Ferrari to do well, don’t we? I’d love to see that come right for Lewis,” Brundle said on Sky Sports.
“He seems a bit happier. He will be great at using the tools that are available to him under the new regulations. He’s got to beat Charles Leclerc in the other Ferrari, because he’s right on it, as well.
“But a happy Lewis has always been, and not just at Ferrari, a fast Lewis. And I have to say, Ferrari have been quite innovative over the winter and they look in a better place than we’ve seen them for a few years now.
“So I’m confident that Lewis will have a better year.”
Brundle does not see a “clear favourite” for the championship and expects F1’s top four teams - McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari - to be battling it out for top honours.
"I see Ferrari being strong, I see both Ferrari drivers being strong," Brundle added.
"I think both McLaren drivers will be strong as well. Oscar will come back on a mission after what he learned last year; Lando, I don't think I've ever seen him yet not with that big grin on his face so far this year, he's just got that comfort now.
"The Red Bull looks really strong, and we know how Max's car control, which you'll need with these cars, will be incredible.
"So, for me, there's not a clear favourite."
Brundle has backed George Russell, who is the bookies’ favourite going into the 2026 season, to challenge for his first F1 world championship with Mercedes this year.
"I do think he's ready for it," Brundle said of the 28-year-old Briton, who is embarking on his eighth season in F1.
"He's a smart guy; they're all smart guys. George has got the team around him. Kimi [Antonelli] will be stronger this year in the other car, but George is completely out of Lewis [Hamilton]'s shadow there, he's the king of the castle at Mercedes-Benz
"He did all those years at Williams and then he went to Mercedes when they just stopped dominating, so he's done the hard yards.
"I think he's got the experience, he's got the car control, and I think he will command the respect in the team to help drive what's going to be an incredibly changeable year.”
Brundle continued: "We questioned that with Lando [Norris] last year, and Oscar [Piastri] too, whether they would wilt under pressure from Max [Verstappen], and they didn’t. I think George is in a very good place.
"Remember, [Russell] grew up in Lewis Hamilton's shadow at Mercedes, and he handled that, and eventually in the final year they were team-mates, he beat Lewis clearly.
"So, I have no doubts about him whatsoever. They're all world-class drivers in F1, you've got to beat them somehow.
"I think George has got so much experience now despite not being 30 yet, that I don't think anything will distract him if he's got a championship-winning car.”
- Lewis Larkam
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