Martin Brundle delivers a sharp reply to Lewis Hamilton’s remarks regarding his last season at Mercedes.

Former Formula 1 driver and current Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle has responded to Lewis Hamilton’s remarks regarding his decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari. Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, is set to enter his final season with Mercedes before moving to Ferrari in 2025.

His association with Mercedes spans over 25 years, dating back to when the team was partially owned by the German car manufacturer during Hamilton’s time as a junior driver. Hamilton has made public comments about his move, including in a social media post and at Mercedes’ 2024 car launch.

In his social media statement, the 39-year-old expressed that his move was “filled with a whole range of emotions,” acknowledging that his decision “has been the hardest I’ve ever had to make.” Hamilton also shared that signing for Ferrari was “fulfilling a childhood dream” for him, as he will be partnering with Charles Leclerc at the team.

However, Martin Brundle offered a direct assessment of Hamilton’s comments on the Sky Sports F1 podcast, suggesting that the decision might not have been as emotionally challenging as Hamilton indicated.

Brundle stated, “I don’t buy all of this, ‘It’s going to be emotional leaving.’ Lewis is a winning machine, and that’s what he wants to do. It’s a good contract; he’ll be paid a lot of money, get a lot of love, and it will be one of global sport’s biggest stories in 2025.”

Regarding Hamilton’s contract situation, where he opted not to activate a previously announced year’s extension in his Mercedes deal that would have kept him with the team until 2025, Brundle commented on the selective information teams provide about new contract signings.

He noted, “The teams are slightly disingenuous when they tell you about new contract signings, because they only tell you edited highlights that suit them. Clearly, they forgot to mention that Hamilton had an exit clause, which he has chosen to take very early indeed.”

Brundle also expressed confidence in George Russell, who will likely replace Hamilton at Mercedes, saying, “I see everybody’s got an opportunity here. George Russell has got the shiny confidence, the talent, confidence, and speed to pick up the mantle and be the number one driver. I have no doubt about that at all.”

He added that Hamilton’s departure could be an energizing factor for both Mercedes and Ferrari, as it presents opportunities for change and growth. Brundle concluded, “It will energize Mercedes, losing Lewis, and it will be an opportunity for them to act in haste, repent at leisure. They can wait and see [on Hamilton’s replacement]. Why do they need to jump now? It will energize Ferrari, Charles Leclerc as well, and certainly us watching it. I don’t really see any downside there.”

Lewis Hamilton has spoken publicly for the first time about his “emotional” departure from Mercedes and his move to Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton has recently addressed the public for the first time since confirming his move to Ferrari. Speculation about his departure from Mercedes began earlier this month, with reports suggesting a potential switch to Ferrari in 2025. It was later confirmed that Hamilton would indeed be leaving Mercedes after the 2024 season.

In 2025, Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, will join Ferrari and partner with Charles Leclerc. Mercedes officially unveiled their car for the 2024 season, and during the launch event, Hamilton shared his thoughts on his future.

He expressed that the past few weeks have been emotional and surreal, emphasizing his focus on helping Mercedes return to their previous level of performance. Hamilton highlighted the team’s resilience over the past challenging years, which has allowed them to regroup and refocus.

Hamilton also praised the dedication of the Mercedes team, noting the excitement of seeing the car come together at the start of each season. He emphasized the importance of diligence and maximizing every opportunity, including practice sessions, to prepare for the upcoming season.

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff acknowledged the busy winter and expressed the team’s commitment to providing Hamilton with a competitive car for his final season with the team. Hamilton has raced alongside notable teammates such as Nico Rosberg, Valtteri Bottas, and George Russell during his time with Mercedes, winning six Formula 1 world titles with the team. He aims to secure his eighth title this year, which would surpass the record he currently shares with Michael Schumacher.

The 2024 F1 season is set to commence with the Bahrain Grand Prix in March.

Reports indicate that two important members of the Mercedes team, who are also close to Lewis Hamilton, are hesitant about joining Ferrari in 2025. Hamilton surprised many in the Formula 1 world when his switch from Mercedes to Ferrari was confirmed on Thursday.

Despite signing a new two-year contract with Mercedes in August, which was thought to cover the 2024 and 2025 seasons, reports on Thursday morning suggested that the second year was merely an option, potentially paving the way for a move to Ferrari.

Hamilton is expected to continue driving for Mercedes in the upcoming 2024 season before replacing Carlos Sainz at Ferrari once the Spaniard’s contract expires.

Lewis Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes marks the end of a 25-year association, during which the company was also an engine supplier for his former team McLaren.

Peter Bonnington, Hamilton’s race engineer and a key figure in his success, has been instrumental in his career. Andrew Shovlin, Mercedes’ Track Engineering Director, is another crucial figure, having worked with Michael Schumacher in 2010 and famously engineering Jenson Button during his title-winning season at Brawn GP in 2009.

However, according to Motorsport.com journalist Kemal Sengul, both Bonnington and Shovlin are currently hesitant about moving to Ferrari.

It’s been suggested that Peter Bonnington and Andrew Shovlin are the first names Lewis Hamilton wants to bring with him to Ferrari, indicating that there may be other team members that Ferrari is considering.

Hamilton has the advantage of time on his side, as he will continue to work alongside Bonnington and Shovlin at Mercedes this year. Whether they change their minds remains to be seen. We’ll have to wait to find out.