Brundle: Hamilton's best behind him, but still good enough

Hamilton is now gearing up for his first F1 season with Ferrari after starting work at Maranello last week, meeting the team and driving a year-old car at the Fiorano track.

But ever since the seven-time F1 champion's move to Ferrari was announced at the start of the 2024 season, there was debate whether it was a smart move by the Reds to sign a driver who was 40 years old and was struggling to match his younger teammate at Mercedes, George Russell.

And while it was clear that Mercedes failed to deliver a car worthy of their decorated driver under the "ground effect" rules, that did not stop speculation about Hamilton's form, especially in light of his move to Ferrari, where he would partner the fast Charles Leclerc.

However, speaking to Sky Sports News, Brundle insists the move is a win-win for all parties involved; he said: "He is unquestionably [worth the money], already.

"Two of the biggest names in the 75-year history of Formula 1, some might say the biggest names. Lewis Hamilton dressed all in the scarlet of the prancing horse, an absolutely extraordinary story. It's a story, a gift, that will keep giving for us at Sky F1.

"This is only Hamilton's third team in Formula 1, and he will want to go there and show that, despite just turning 40, he's not over the hill like some people were saying last year, and he will want to show he has made the right decision again. He will go there full of energy," the respected F1 pundit explained.

And while there is much talk about Hamilton's chances of achieving his eighth F1 title with Ferrari, Brundle acknowledged there will be some challenges on the way.

He said: "There are some big challenges, his team-mate Charles Leclerc has been there seven years effectively and knows exactly where the buttons are, and who does what, and makes things happen.

"Lewis will have to face that, and the fact 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," he added.

Hamilton has won two races in 2024, the British Grand Prix, which marked the end of a winning drought that lasted 56 F1 races. He also won the Belgian Grand Prix after Russell was disqualified for a car weight infringement.

The fact remains that Hamilton was outqualified by Russell 19 to 5, but Brundle insists the former still has what it takes to win races and challenge for the title.

He pointed out: "Let's imagine Silverstone last year. When he had a chance to win the British GP, he won it. He won in Spa but that was a little bit lucky because George [Russell] got disqualified.

"Lewis was extraordinary all through practice in Las Vegas and then fluffed it in qualifying, something he didn't used to do much, and then was extraordinary in the race.

"I think the speed is there. Do I think the best of Lewis Hamilton is ahead or behind him? I think it's behind him," he admitted. "I think he's lost an edge with age, as you do.

"Sometimes he gets in scuffles that he used to emerge out of, but he doesn't now, or he'll make a mistake in qualifying. But I think 96-97 per cent of Lewis Hamilton in a winning car is still good enough.

"He's got all the experience, and his energy and enthusiasm will be re-energized by the whole experience. He will not be overwhelmed driving a Ferrari like so many drivers have.

"And let's not forget, despite not being a Ferrari driver, the Italian fans, known as the Tifosi, adore him. They cheered him even when he was winning in a Mercedes," Brundle concluded.