Ross Brawn Backs 'Determined' Hamilton to Deliver for Ferrari Despite Challenging Debut Season

Former team principal Ross Brawn believes a "determined" Lewis Hamilton will 'deliver' at Ferrari, despite the seven-time world champion's challenging maiden season with the Scuderia. Hamilton's move from Mercedes to Ferrari, after 12 seasons and six world titles with the German team, was a seismic shift for Formula 1. However, his debut year at Maranello has been tough, with the Briton currently without a Grand Prix podium in 22 race weekends, only managing a sprint race win at the Chinese Grand Prix earlier in the year.

Why it matters:

Lewis Hamilton's highly anticipated move to Ferrari marked a new era for both the driver and the iconic Italian team. A successful partnership could reignite Ferrari's championship aspirations and solidify Hamilton's legacy as a driver capable of winning with multiple top teams. Conversely, a continued struggle could raise questions about his future and Ferrari's ability to provide a winning package under new regulations.

The Details:

• Challenging Debut: Hamilton currently sits on 152 points with two Grands Prix remaining, having failed to secure a Grand Prix podium in his 22 races with Ferrari. His sole win came in a sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix.
• Historical Context: Brawn was instrumental in bringing Hamilton to Mercedes in 2013, a year before the rule changes that led to Mercedes' dominant era, suggesting his judgment on Hamilton's potential is historically sound.
• Brawn's Confidence: Having spent a decade at Ferrari, guiding them to multiple championships in the 2000s, Brawn asserts, "Lewis is a pretty determined character and has shown resilience in the past, so there’s no reason why he won’t [deliver]."
• Rule Changes: Brawn's optimism is tempered by a crucial caveat: "I just hope that Ferrari get it right with the new rules," referring to the significant regulation changes expected in upcoming seasons.
• Recent Struggles: A P20 qualifying performance at the Las Vegas Grand Prix marked a new low, which Hamilton himself called "useless." Despite a fightback to P10 (promoted to P8 after McLaren's double disqualification), his post-race comments expressed little confidence for 2026, prompting speculation about his F1 future.
• Expert Opinion: Former Haas team boss Guenther Steiner suggested Hamilton would need "a lift" next year to continue his F1 career.

The Big Picture:

Hamilton's move to Ferrari was seen as a bold gamble, with both parties aiming for a return to championship glory. While his initial season has been fraught with difficulties, the historical precedent of Hamilton's adaptability, combined with Brawn's endorsement, suggests that his determination could see him overcome these hurdles. The looming regulatory changes, however, present a significant variable, demanding that Ferrari provides a competitive car for Hamilton to truly showcase his abilities.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Ferrari's development for the upcoming seasons, particularly with the new regulations on the horizon. If Ferrari can provide a car that matches Hamilton's caliber, Brawn's prediction of a resurgence could materialize. The true test of Hamilton's resilience and Ferrari's engineering prowess will unfold as they strive to turn a difficult debut into a triumphant partnership.