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, coming in third at the Chinese Grand Prix. This marked his first podium since joining Ferrari in 2025. According to Mansell, the new regulations seem to favor Hamilton's driving style, and he doesn't rule out the possibility of the seven-time world champion winning a race this season.
Mansell stated, "Lewis is fired up again. He's had an incredible career, and it's fantastic to see what he's accomplishing." Hamilton has also been closer to his teammate Charles Leclerc in terms of pace, a significant improvement from last year.
The British driver attributes his return to form to better preparation of his mind and body. When he joined Ferrari last year, Hamilton had no input in the car's development, which didn't suit his driving style. However, he worked closely with the engineers during the offseason and was able to implement some of the changes he requested.
Mansell thinks that if Mercedes can maintain their advantage, the championship could become a two-horse race between George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. He advises Russell to use his experience to win the intra-team battle, emphasizing the importance of focus and authority.