Hamilton Leaving Mercedes For Ferrari Is Opportunity For Everyone Brundle Asserts
F1Sunday, 18 February 2024 at 14:00
Sky Sports commentator and former F1 driver Martin Brundle suggested Lewis Hamilton's change of teams creates an opportunity for everybody in the end.
The seven-time World Champion's move from Mercedes to Ferrari shook up the driver market. Many questions arise, such as: Who will be Mercedes's second driver from 2025? How will Leclerc-Hamilton duo work out for Ferrari?
Speaking on Sky F1 podcast, ahead of the start of the 2024 season, Martin Brundle said: "Do you know what? I think everybody’s got an opportunity here."
Starting with Hamilton's future former teammate George Russell, Brundle asserted he has no doubt he would be able to take over the position of leader at Mercedes.
"I think George Russell has got the shiny confidence, the talent, the speed, the experience to pick up the mantle and be the number one driver at Mercedes. I do not doubt that at all."
The exit of the most successful driver in the history of the sport is, of course, a big loss for the German team, but the former F1 driver said he believes it will energize Silver Arrows.
"I think it'll energize Mercedes with losing Lewis, and it's an opportunity for them – act in haste, repent at leisure."
Mercedes now has to look for an appropriate replacement for the 39-year-old. This creates an opportunity for quite a few drivers.
Even Sainz, who, according to Jacques Villeneuve, is "the big loser" in this situation, could have a chance at Mercedes, according to Brundle.
"They can wait and see how Kimi Antonelli goes. They’ve got Esteban Ocon I suspect if they want, they’ve got access to Carlos Sainz."
Mick Schumacher, who starts his first season in WEC in 2024, might have a chance to return, or Fernando Alonso will finish his career with one or two years in one of the top three teams.
"Maybe, Fernando Alonso, they’ve got Mick Schumacher in their gang, and any number of other drivers. So I think they’ll see how this season goes, why do they need to jump now?"
Moreover, the 64-year-old added even Charles Leclerc, whose position as number one driver in Ferrari will be under threat, can benefit from the situation.
"I think it’ll energise Ferrari and Charles Leclerc as well. It’ll certainly energise us talking about it!"
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