Lewis Hamilton given brutal three-race ultimatum at Ferrari ahead of new F1 season

A well-respected F1 expert has explained how Lewis Hamilton needs to impress during his first “two or three races” for Ferrari.

Hamilton, 40, will take to the track in the red of Ferrari for the first time at an F1 race when the season commences on March 16 in Melbourne, Australia.

Despite being a seven-time F1 champion – joint-most alongside Michael Schumacher – he has failed to win the championship since 2020.

In 2024, he finished seventh in the driver standings as Red Bull’s Max Verstappen took the title for a fourth consecutive season.

Hamilton will be hoping he can become the record holder with a championship triumph this season and explained how he “couldn’t be happier” after joining the Italian manufacturer.

“There are some days that you know you’ll remember forever and today, my first as a Ferrari driver, is one of those days,” Hamilton said in an Instagram post on January 20.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have achieved things in my career I never thought possible, but part of me has always held on to that dream of racing in red. I couldn’t be happier to realise that dream today.

“Today we start a new era in the history of this iconic team, and I can’t wait to see what story we will write together.”

However, F1 expert and Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle believes Hamilton will need to get off to a flying start with his new team.

“He’s got to do that [start well], he’s got to use his experience,” Brundle told Sky Sports News.

Lewis Hamilton will represent Ferrari this season (Credit:Getty)

“There are no excuses at this level for anybody, even the rookies, but you might give the rookies half a season to get their act together, maximum.

“They will expect somebody like Lewis to have aced the people around him and the car within two or three races, to be honest. Never underestimate Lewis Hamilton.”

Brundle, 65, also gave his thoughts on whether Ferrari reportedly paying $57m to the British driver will be worth it.

“Unquestionably…” he said.

“Two of the biggest names in the 75-year history of Formula 1 – some would maybe say the biggest two names in Ferrari and Hamilton – are getting together.

“Lewis dressed all in the red, the scarlet of the prancing horse. An absolutely extraordinary story, the gift that will keep giving for us.”