Brundle names HUGE moment that Hamilton still hasn't recovered from

Andrew McLean
Tuesday 9 May 2023 13:57 - Updated: 15:24

Martin Brundle has suggested that Lewis Hamilton is only just starting to recover from his heartbreak at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as Mercedes continue to struggle.

Hamilton is yet to win a race since he was denied a record-breaking eighth title in infamous circumstances. The safety car procedure was incorrectly applied by race director Michael Masi allowing Max Verstappen to get past on the final lap of the final race to snatch the championship from the Brit's grasp.

Mercedes have struggled in the 18 months since with the team failing to thrive under the new technical regulations. The Silver Arrows have won just one race in that time, with George Russell taking the top step of the podium in Brazil.

Russell has generally got the better of Hamilton since joining the team at the start of 2022 with the latest example coming during the Miami Grand Prix.

Now, Brundle has theorised why Hamilton has struggled so much suggesting he could be carrying a hangover from Abu Dhabi.

Brundle: It's a strong statement, but I believe it

“I think Abu Dhabi 2021 hit Lewis so hard that I’m only really seeing him recover now, if I’m honest, in terms of what you see out on track," Brundle explained on Sky Sports.

“They haven’t got the car yet [to win]. It’s a strong statement, but I believe it.”

Hamilton impressed during Sunday's Miami Grand Prix after overcoming a 13th-place start to finish sixth. The Brit will be hoping to build on his performance in the coming weeks as Mercedes finally bring their much-needed upgrade package.

READ MORE: F1 Driver Salaries: How much do Hamilton, Verstappen and co earn?