Former Formula 1 world champion Nigel Mansell believes Lewis Hamilton has regained his competitive edge this season. Hamilton recently ended a 16-month drought without a podium finish, claiming third place at the Chinese Grand Prix. This achievement marks his first rostrum finish since joining Ferrari in 2025.
Hamilton has also been more competitive with his teammate Charles Leclerc, having struggled with the previous generation of F1 cars. The new regulations seem to favor Hamilton's driving style, and Mansell thinks the seven-time world champion could win a race this season.
According to Mansell, "Lewis is fired up again. He's had a brilliant career, and it's fantastic what he's doing.
He's now reinvigorated." Hamilton attributes his return to form to better preparation and the fact that Ferrari has done a great job over the winter. The team's efforts have resulted in a car that suits Hamilton's driving style, which was not the case last year. Hamilton said, "When I joined Ferrari last year, I had nothing to do with the build of that car.
It was an evolution of the previous year's car, so I joined, and it was a car not really built for me." He worked with the engineers on the simulator and pushed for changes, which have been incorporated into this year's car. Mansell, who was involved in several title fights before becoming world champion in 1992, thinks this year's F1 Drivers' Championship could become a two-horse race between Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. Mansell believes Russell needs to use his experience to win the intra-team battle, saying, "George is a great driver. Sometimes it's how the chips fall, sometimes you have a bit of luck, and sometimes you don't.
It's a long season, but you've got to lead by incredible focus."