Brundle: Why Hamilton won’t buckle under pressure at Ferrari

Sky F1 commentator Martin Brundle believes Lewis Hamilton’s vast experience will effectively shield the Briton from the pressure typically levied upon Ferrari’s drivers.

The seven-time world champion’s blockbuster move to Maranello has been the talk of the paddock for over a year, and with pre-season testing program under his belt, Hamilton is ready to chase an eighth title with his new team.

However, racing for the Scuderia is unlike any other experience in Formula 1. Ferrari is not just a team; it's a national institution in Italy, and its drivers are treated as national heroes.

This intense spotlight brings immense pressure, with every race and every qualifying session scrutinized by the passionate Tifosi and global media.

And any perceived failure or underperformance is magnified, making the environment both exhilarating and demanding.

Brundle, however, believes the 40-year-old Brit won’t buckle under the weight of Ferrari’s storied legacy.

With his vast experience and a familiar support crew in tow, Hamilton’s set to tackle this new chapter with cool-headed confidence, according to the ex-F1 driver.

“I don’t think Lewis will feel any pressure,” Brundle said. “He’s been there, seen it, done it, won it. Won seven championships.

“He will not succumb to that ‘My goodness, I am a Ferrari driver, the expectation is high’”.

Ferrari’s recent near-miss at the constructors’ title last year will only fuel Hamilton’s ambition, but Brundle sees a driver unfazed by the hype, ready to lean on his pedigree as he steps into the Scuderia spotlight.

Navigating Ferrari’s Inner Circle

Hamilton won’t be alone in this Italian adventure, but he’s up against a teammate who’s practically part of the furniture.

“Leclerc has been there six, seven years. He knows where all the green buttons are, knows how to make things happen at Ferrari,” Brundle noted.

The Monegasque’s deep roots in the team pose a challenge, especially since Hamilton’s long-time race engineer, Peter Bonnington, has stayed with Mercedes.

But the Briton has brought reinforcements: physiotherapist Angela Cullen, a key ally from his Mercedes glory days, and manager Marc Hynes.

“Lewis is new in. He’s taken along with him Angela again now, his physio and Marc Hynes is back with him,” Brundle observed.

“Lewis has put as much around him as he can, knowing he’s going into a completely different culture of a team and he’s got to find his way.”

Even with a new engineer and a teammate as swift and settled as Leclerc, Brundle’s betting on Hamilton’s resilience.

“That’s a lot to take onboard, especially when your teammate in Leclerc is so fast and so embedded in the team,” he acknowledged.

But Hamilton’ is no rookie — he’s built a career on adapting and thriving.

As he rolls into Melbourne this weekend, surrounded by his trusted circle and armed with unmatched experience, Brundle’s hunch feels spot-on: this isn’t a driver who’ll crack under Ferrari’s crimson glare.

Instead, Hamilton’s poised to turn heads and chase history, one calm corner at a time.

• Read also: Haug backs Hamilton for Ferrari glory after ‘stolen’ 2021 eighth title

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