Sky Sports activities F1’s Martin Brundle sees subsequent yr’s seismic shift in Components 1 – Lewis Hamilton’s transfer from Mercedes to Ferrari – as an occasion that may “energise” the Brackley squad and its future chief George Russell.
In opposition to all expectations, Ferrari introduced at first of this month that Hamilton will be part of the Scuderia from 2025 on a multi-year contract.
The deal is considered as the best driver switch within the historical past of the game.
At Ferrari, Hamilton will accomplice with Charles Leclerc whereas the Briton’s departure from Mercedes leaves an necessary emptiness that the German outfit has but to fill.
However no matter who inherits Hamilton’s coveted seat, Brundle believes that the seven-time F1 world champion’s determination to depart a workforce he as soon as known as his surrogate household is a win-win scenario for each Mercedes and Ferrari.
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“Everyone has received a possibility right here,” Brundle advised the Sky Sports activities F1 podcast.
“George Russell has received this shiny confidence, the expertise, the velocity and the expertise to select up the mantle and be the primary driver at Mercedes-Benz – I’ve little doubt about that in any respect.
“It should energise Mercedes, dropping Lewis and it is a chance for them.”
However Brundle insists the surprising occasion is not simply concerning the huge names. The domino impact triggered by Hamilton’s transfer has despatched shivers of anticipation down the spines of different drivers.
Carlos Sainz, Esteban Ocon, Fernando Alonso, Mick Schumacher and even younger Andrea Kimi Antonelli – every title a whisper of risk, a possible inheritor to the vacant Mercedes seat.
They’re all watching, calculating, their very own journeys intertwined with the unfolding drama. However Mercedes is prone to take its time in response to Brundle.
“Act in haste, repent at leisure, they will wait and see how Andrea Kimi Antonelli goes, they received Esteban Ocon I think, they have entry to Carlos Sainz and perhaps Fernando Alonso,” added the ex- F1 driver.
“Mick Schumacher can also be within the gang and any variety of different drivers, so I feel they will see how this season goes, and why do they should soar now?
“I additionally suppose it’s going to energise Ferrari and Charles Leclerc as properly, and us speaking about it, so I do not see any downsides.
“It’ll be emotional – Lewis is a profitable machine and that’s what he needs to do.
“It’s a good contract and he’ll be paid some huge cash and get a variety of dwell. It will likely be one of many largest world sports activities tales in 2025, so I simply see positives.”
Brundle has no doubts about Hamilton’s dedication to Mercedes this season.
“I’ve little doubt he’ll give it completely every part till the final lap of the final race in Abu Dhabi for Mercedes-Benz, to be carrying these overalls holding that steering wheel, representing 1,500 individuals,” he mentioned.
“If everyone’s sensible – and I feel they’re all very sensible individuals, they’ve had such a beautiful relationship collectively, Hamilton, Mercedes-Benz, Toto and the workforce – I feel they will see it as a farewell tour.
“That is how I feel they need to and can deal with it. After which wishing farewell and hope that he loses in a Ferrari.”
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