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Martin Brundle has noted that Lewis Hamilton appears "happier" after his experience with the new Ferrari car at pre-season testing.

Hamilton enjoyed a challenging campaign last year at the Italian squad, as he joined the team after ending his long-standing association with Mercedes.

The seven-time champion failed to clinch a single podium throughout the entire season.

Hamilton got up to speed in the new-for-2026 cars at various pre-season tests and took to social media last week to release a powerful statement, insisting he forgot "who I was" during the tough 2025 campaign.

He has appeared more optimistic over Ferrari's chances for the season ahead as Ferrari look to end its title drought which stretches back to 2008.

When asked if he thinks Hamilton's fortunes will change this year, Brundle told Sky F1: "I hope so, for Lewis, for Ferrari.

"As F1 fans, we always want Ferrari to do well, don't we? I'd love to see that come right for Lewis.

"He seems a bit happier. He will be great at using the tools that are available to him under the new regulations."

Hamilton will once again partner Charles Leclerc this year, a driver who has been embedded in the Maranello outfit since 2019.

Whilst it will be another tough challenge for Hamilton to overcome, Brundle has backed Hamilton to succeed if he gets in the right frame of mind.

"He's got to beat Charles Leclerc in the other Ferrari, because he's right on it as well," Brundle said.

"But a happy Lewis has always been a fast Lewis.

"I have to say, Ferrari have been quite innovative over the winter, and they look in a better place than we've seen them for a few years now.

"So I'm confident that Lewis will have a better year."

Also interesting:

Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding, as they look back on pre-season testing and start to look ahead to the Australian GP! Aston Martin's major issues are a lead discussion, as is Ferrari's lightning starts.

Rather watch the podcast? Then click here!