According to Nigel Mansell, a former Formula 1 world champion, Lewis Hamilton has regained his competitive edge this season. Hamilton recently ended a 16-month drought without an F1 podium finish by securing third place at the Chinese Grand Prix, marking his first rostrum finish since joining Ferrari in 2025.
The 41-year-old driver has also significantly closed the gap with his teammate Charles Leclerc in terms of pace, a notable improvement from the previous year. The new regulations seem to suit Hamilton's driving style, and Mansell believes the seven-time world champion could potentially win a race this season.
Mansell stated, 'Lewis is fired up again, and it's fantastic to see him perform at such a high level.' Hamilton attributes his resurgence to better preparation, both mentally and physically, which has contributed to his return to form. He noted that when he joined Ferrari, the car wasn't tailored to his driving style, but the team has made significant improvements this year. With the new car, Hamilton feels rejuvenated and is grateful that the team incorporated some of the changes he requested.
Meanwhile, the F1 Drivers' Championship is heating up, with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli emerging as top contenders. Mansell thinks Russell needs to leverage his experience to win the intra-team battle, emphasizing the importance of focus and authority in the sport.