Lewis Hamilton’s debut season with Ferrari was supposed to mark a thrilling new chapter in his storied Formula 1 career. But instead of podiums and triumphs, the seven-time world champion finds himself under fire—this time, from F1 legend Martin Brundle.
Following another disappointing showing at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where Hamilton finished a distant seventh, Brundle voiced his disbelief over Hamilton’s explanation that he doesn’t “understand the car.” According to Brundle, that excuse just doesn’t hold up anymore.
Hamilton’s Saudi Arabian GP Performance
In Jeddah, Hamilton once again struggled to match the pace of his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, finishing more than 30 seconds behind him. The SF-25 Ferrari appeared to perform well under Leclerc’s control, yet Hamilton couldn’t extract similar results.
After the race, Hamilton admitted:
“I’m just not gelling with this car. I don’t fully understand it yet.”
It was a candid response, but one that didn’t sit well with everyone.
Brundle’s Critical Take
Sky Sports commentator and former F1 driver Martin Brundle quickly weighed in, voicing skepticism over Hamilton’s remarks:
“I struggle to buy into ‘he doesn’t understand the car.’ It’s a new car, sure, but here we are knocking on the door of May. They’ve had all the preseason testing.”
Brundle implied that Hamilton’s ongoing difficulties with the car reflect more than just a lack of familiarity. With five races already completed in the 2025 season, Brundle believes it’s time to expect more from the British veteran.
What’s Going Wrong for Hamilton in 2025?
This isn’t an isolated race issue—Hamilton’s 2025 campaign has been bumpy from the start:
- Disqualified in China after winning the sprint race due to a technical infringement
- Mid-pack finishes in Bahrain, Australia, and Japan
- Continual setup and balance complaints with the SF-25
Despite Ferrari’s improved form, Hamilton seems stuck in a cycle of underperformance and miscommunication with his engineers.
Is It the Car or the Driver?
Brundle pointed out that rookie drivers like Oliver Bearman and Kimi Antonelli are adjusting quickly to new machinery, raising questions about whether Hamilton’s difficulties are more about adaptation than the car itself.
“Other drivers are getting to grips with new cars—why not Hamilton?” Brundle asked.
The implication: Hamilton’s elite reputation can’t shield him from criticism forever, especially if his younger competitors are outperforming expectations.
Brundle’s Broader Observations
For Brundle, the issue may come down to Hamilton’s driving style and car setup preferences not aligning with Ferrari’s 2025 engineering. Still, after five Grand Prix weekends and extensive testing, Brundle believes it’s no longer acceptable to play the “still learning” card.
“This isn’t about blaming the car—it’s about adapting to it,” he emphasized.
Reactions from Fans and the Paddock
Fans are split. Some sympathize with Hamilton, arguing that Ferrari’s car isn’t yet fully suited to his aggressive driving technique. Others agree with Brundle, suggesting Hamilton is struggling to maintain peak form as he enters the twilight of his career.
Social media has been ablaze with takes, many defending Hamilton’s transparency, while others question whether Ferrari was the right move.
What This Means for Hamilton’s Future
Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari was bold—and risky. While the team has shown signs of revival, the Briton’s inability to close the gap to Leclerc raises doubts about whether this new chapter will yield championship glory.
Still, history shows that Hamilton thrives under pressure. With time and the right upgrades, a resurgence isn’t out of the question. But he’ll need to prove that he can adapt—and fast.
Conclusion
Martin Brundle’s blunt criticism of Lewis Hamilton adds another layer of pressure to an already tense season. While fans still believe in the seven-time world champion, the numbers—and Brundle—don’t lie: something’s not clicking at Ferrari, and it’s time for answers.
With the F1 season heating up, all eyes will be on Hamilton in the next race. Can he silence the doubters—or is Brundle’s doubt a sign of things to come?
FAQs
- What did Martin Brundle say about Lewis Hamilton?
- He criticized Hamilton’s claim of not understanding the Ferrari, saying it’s been too long into the season for that excuse.
- Why is Hamilton struggling with Ferrari in 2025?
- He says he hasn’t gelled with the SF-25, and his setup preferences may not align with the car’s characteristics.
- How is Charles Leclerc performing in comparison?
- Leclerc has consistently outperformed Hamilton, finishing significantly ahead in several races, including Saudi Arabia.
- Is this the worst start to a season for Hamilton?
- While not his worst statistically, it’s one of the most underwhelming starts given the expectations surrounding his Ferrari debut.
- Can Hamilton bounce back this season?
- Yes, but it will require fast adaptation, car upgrades, and better synergy with the Ferrari engineering team.
