Ex-McLaren driver Martin Brundle has backed Lewis Hamilton to regain his world-beating form, but warned the 26-year-old must first get his mindset right. Speaking as Sky Sports unveiled its Formula 1 coverage team for next season, Brundle said Hamilton's speed and skill remain undiminished.
Brundle noted signs of recovery in Hamilton's performances at the end of the season, but stressed the importance of mental focus. 'It's a question of whether he can put himself in a mindset to deliver that week in, week out,' he said. 'That's the same in almost any sport – it's 90 per cent in the head and that's what Lewis needs to get right.'
Hamilton described 2011 as the worst season of his career, and his rivalry with teammate Jenson Button is expected to be a key storyline in Sky's comprehensive coverage. The satellite broadcaster will launch a dedicated F1 channel in March, offering wall-to-wall live coverage of Grand Prix racing.
Brundle will return to the expert's role alongside David Croft, while Anthony Davidson will partner Croft for practice sessions. Simon Lazenby will host each Grand Prix weekend, with Georgie Thompson presenting a new weekly show and Steve Ryder handling major interviews. Natalie Pinkham joins from Radio 5 Live to present a magazine programme.
With six world champions on the grid, including the return of Kimi Raikkonen at Lotus, Brundle said fans would benefit. Sky's coverage is further boosted by the BBC's delayed start to live broadcasting, which will not begin until the third round in China on 15 April.
