Former Formula 1 champion Nigel Mansell has praised Lewis Hamilton for showing a fresh surge of energy this season, describing the seven‑time world champion as "reinvigorated" and eager to fight at the front of the grid. Hamilton broke a 16‑month spell without a podium finish when he secured third place at the Chinese Grand Prix, marking his first podium since he switched to Ferrari in 2025. The 41‑year‑old Briton has also been closing the gap to his teammate Charles Leclerc, a stark contrast to the difficulties he faced last year with the older specification car.
Mansell believes the new technical regulations introduced for the current season play to Hamilton's strengths. He did not dismiss the possibility that Hamilton could claim a victory at some point during the campaign, noting that the revised aero and power‑unit packages seem to suit the veteran's driving style. "Lewis is fired up again. He has enjoyed an extraordinary career and it's wonderful to see him back in this form," the 1992 world champion told Sky Sports News.
"He's now reinvigorated. Ferrari have done a brilliant job over the winter, putting the team close to the front. Mercedes remain the benchmark, and McLaren are also making strides." Hamilton himself has spoken about the mental and physical preparation that helped him rediscover his form. After the Japanese Grand Prix he said he had "prepared my mind and body better than ever," a routine that he believes has been instrumental in his recent resurgence.
He also reflected on his first year with Ferrari, explaining that the car he inherited was an evolution of the previous model and did not initially match his driving preferences. "When I joined Ferrari last year, I had no input on the development of that car. It was a continuation of last year's platform, and it simply wasn't built for me," he said.
He added that budget‑cap constraints prevented the team from fitting certain components, such as a bespoke suspension system, during the season. The British champion recounted how the team chose to concentrate on the upcoming car rather than chase upgrades for the 2025 machine. "It was a tough season because we halted development to focus on next year’s project.
I spent a lot of time in the simulator, learning the car and collaborating with the engineers," Hamilton explained. He continued to push for specific changes, insisting that they be incorporated into the next generation.
"I kept asking for features that we needed for the future. I kept pressing the team, and they finally listened." The 2026 Ferrari is, according to Hamilton, a fresh start for everyone involved. He and Leclerc have tested the new components and both are delighted with the results. "We arrived at this year’s car with a clean sheet.
Some of the ideas I advocated for have been implemented, and both Charles and I love how the car behaves now," Hamilton said. Mansell, who fought several title battles before clinching his own championship in 1992, also weighed in on the broader championship picture.
He suggested that the 2026 drivers' title could evolve into a two‑horse contest if Mercedes manages to preserve or extend its advantage over the rest of the field. In that scenario, George Russell and the young Kimi Antonelli could emerge as serious title contenders.
Antonelli currently leads Russell by nine points after back‑to‑back victories in China and Japan, and Mansell believes Russell must draw on his experience to win the intra‑team duel. "George is a fantastic driver.
Sometimes luck plays a part, sometimes the chips fall in your favour, and sometimes they don’t. It's a long season, and you need relentless focus to stay ahead," Mansell observed. He recalled a memorable episode from his own career in 1992 when teammate Riccardo Patrese thought he had a special car.
"We swapped qualifying cars at Sao Paulo early in the season, and I was two seconds quicker in Patrese’s machine. The team quickly realised I was 1.5 seconds faster on the first lap in his car," Mansell recounted. "The lesson is you have to assert your authority on the track." Regarding the rising star Antonelli, Mansell praised his performances, noting that the young Italian has captured the imagination of fans worldwide.
"Kimi has done a great job. He's young, talented, and everyone is rooting for him.
It will be exciting to watch his development," he added. Fans can look forward to the next round of action as Formula 1 returns on May 1‑3 for the Miami Grand Prix, which also hosts the season's second Sprint weekend. The event will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, and viewers can stream the coverage via NOW without a contract, cancelling at any time. The upcoming races promise plenty of drama as Hamilton seeks to convert his renewed vigor into a win, while the championship battle between Russell, Antonelli, and the established front‑runners continues to intensify.