Former Formula 1 champion Nigel Mansell believes Lewis Hamilton has regained his competitive edge this season. Hamilton recently ended a 16-month podium drought with a third-place finish at the Chinese Grand Prix, marking his first rostrum finish since joining Ferrari in 2025.
The 41-year-old driver has shown significant improvement in pace, narrowing the gap with teammate Charles Leclerc. Mansell attributes Hamilton's resurgence to the new regulations, which seem to favor his driving style, and doesn't rule out the possibility of Hamilton winning a race this season. "Lewis is fired up again, and it's fantastic to see him performing at a high level," Mansell said.
Hamilton credits his improved mental and physical preparation for his return to form, stating that he "prepared my mind and body better than ever" for the current season. The new car, designed with Hamilton's input, has also contributed to his success. Mansell, a 1992 F1 world champion, drew from his own experiences in title fights, including battles against Nelson Piquet in the 1980s.
This year's F1 Drivers' Championship may become a two-horse race between Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, with Mansell advising Russell to leverage his experience to win the intra-team battle. With the Miami Grand Prix approaching, the competition is expected to intensify, and Hamilton's revitalized performance has sparked hopes of a potential title challenge.