Brundle Challenges Hamilton’s “Not True” Remark in Tense British GP Exchange

Silverstone, July 4, 2025 – In a moment that raised eyebrows across the paddock and the internet, Lewis Hamilton and Martin Brundle shared an unusually tense exchange during a Sky Sports interview ahead of the British Grand Prix. What began as a congratulatory moment quickly morphed into a subtle clash, offering fans an unexpected peek into the dynamic between driver and pundit.

The Iconic Image That Sparked a Reaction 📸

The catalyst was no ordinary photo. Brundle praised an image of Hamilton standing in front of an F40 supercar at Ferrari’s Fiorano circuit, dressed in a black coat—a shot that went viral in January. He called it “one of the most iconic photographs ever in Formula 1.” Hamilton, visibly amused, thanked Brundle, then made a pointed comment: “That means a lot coming from you, you don’t have too many positive things to say always.”

Brundle’s swift reply—“Well, that’s not true…”—exposed a rare crack in his typically affable demeanor, subtly spotlighting a richer backstory between these two.

A History of Mutual Respect… and Candour

Hamilton and Brundle share a long-standing professional relationship. Early in Hamilton’s career, Brundle was pivotal in steering contract negotiations during Hamilton’s teenage years. “I’ve got all those contracts at home…” Brundle once recounted—demonstrating deep involvement in Hamilton’s journey 

Fast-forward to today, and their rapport remains strong. Hamilton even recommended Brundle and commentator David Croft for inclusion in the new “F1: The Movie,” underscoring his appreciation for Brundle’s authentic voice 

Tension Born of Performance Critiques

The friction wasn’t personal—it stemmed from candid analysis. Brundle was among the analysts who initially predicted Hamilton would secure an eighth world title with Ferrari. However, as the season unfolded, Hamilton has struggled to vault onto the podium, with two fourth-place finishes being his best result .

Brundle didn’t shy away from saying Hamilton was “struggling to gel” with the Ferrari SF‑25, remarking that young talent like Ollie Bearman and Kimi Antonelli adapted to the car much faster  This critique may well have fueled Hamilton’s defensive jab before the cameras.

Breaking the Ice on Practice Day

Despite the on‑air tension, the professional respect remains intact. On Friday at Silverstone, Hamilton topped FP1 and was third fastest in FP2, reigniting hope he might rediscover his stride on home soil 

Williams driver Carlos Sainz, meanwhile, avoided penalties after a FP2 spin, and rumors continue to swirl around Max Verstappen’s possible move to Mercedes—but the spotlight during this interview firmly stayed on Hamilton and Brundle 

Insight from the Sky Sports Studio

To understand the exchange more deeply, here’s the transcript of the key moment:

Brundle: “That image of you in the black coat in the Schumacher square at Ferrari… one of the most iconic photographs ever in F1.”

Hamilton: “Thanks man, that means a lot coming from you, you don’t have too many positive things to say always.”

Brundle: “Well that’s not true…”

What sounded like light-hearted banter on-track quickly revealed an undercurrent of friction. Hamilton, protective of his reputation and proud of his Ferrari journey, may have sensed the need to push back—however gently.

What It Reveals About Hamilton’s Mindset

This exchange offers more than just a viral soundbite—it’s a snapshot of Hamilton’s mindset under pressure. A driver who has rewritten F1 history now races under new expectations. Every critique, especially from respected voices like Brundle, cuts differently. By addressing it head-on—live and on-camera—Hamilton conveyed that he’s paying attention.

Fan Reaction: Social Media Lights Up

The clip swiftly went viral. Fans chimed in:

“The way I laughed when Lewis said that.”
“He stood on business.”
“That took me out!” 

Some praised Hamilton’s confidence, others noted the high stakes of racing for Ferrari amid intense scrutiny. Whichever side fans land on, the moment has undeniably captured the imagination.

What to Watch at Silverstone

With qualifying set for Saturday at 2 p.m. local and the race on Sunday at 3 p.m., all eyes will be on whether Hamilton can convert his practice pace into a strong result. It’s his second home Grand Prix as a Ferrari driver—but one win still eludes him in 2025.

Final Lap

In the high-stakes world of Formula 1, perception is everything. Hamilton’s quip and Brundle’s quick retort reveal that even champions and pundits walk a fine line between respect and critique. As the British Grand Prix approaches, this moment adds an intriguing subplot: Will Hamilton respond on-track as sharply as he did in the interview?