Former Formula 1 champion Nigel Mansell says that Lewis Hamilton has come back to the sport with a fresh burst of enthusiasm this season. After a long 16‑month stretch without a podium finish, Hamilton finally broke the spell at the Chinese Grand Prix, securing third place – his first podium since he switched to Ferrari in 2025. The 41‑year‑old Briton has also begun to match the pace of his teammate, Charles Leclerc, after a difficult previous year in which the older generation of F1 machinery did not suit his driving style.
Mansell believes the new technical regulations introduced for this year play to Hamilton’s strengths and he does not rule out the possibility of the seven‑time world champion clinching a race win at some point during the campaign. "Lewis is fired up again. He’s had an outstanding career and it’s fantastic to see what he’s doing now," the 1992 champion told Sky Sports News. "He’s truly reinvigorated.
Ferrari have done a superb job over the winter, and they’re now right up there with Mercedes, with McLaren also closing the gap." Hamilton himself has spoken about the mental and physical preparation that has helped him rediscover form. After the Japanese Grand Prix, he said he had "prepared my mind and body better than ever," a regimen he credits for his recent resurgence.
He also explained why his first season with Ferrari was so challenging: "When I joined Ferrari last year, the car was essentially an evolution of the previous model – it wasn’t built for my driving style. I wanted certain upgrades, like a different suspension set‑up, but the budget cap prevented us from implementing them during the season.
It was a tough year because we chose not to develop the car further, focusing instead on the new 2025 package." During that difficult period, Hamilton spent a lot of time in the simulator, collaborating closely with engineers and pushing for the changes he felt were essential. "I kept asking for specific parts that we needed for next year.
I kept pressing the team because I knew those components would make a difference," he said. "Now, with the 2025 car, we have a clean slate. Some of the ideas I advocated for have been incorporated, and both Charles and I have tested them and love the results." Mansell, who fought for titles in the 1980s against rivals such as Nelson Piquet before winning his own championship in 1992, also weighed in on the broader championship picture. He suggested that this year’s drivers’ title could evolve into a two‑horse battle if Mercedes manage to preserve or extend their lead over the rest of the grid.
In that scenario, George Russell and the young Kimi Antonelli could emerge as serious contenders for the crown. Antonelli currently sits nine points ahead of Russell after back‑to‑back victories in China and Japan, and Mansell believes Russell’s experience will be crucial in the intra‑team fight. "George is a great driver.
Sometimes luck plays a role, sometimes the chips fall one way or another, but the season is long and you need unwavering focus," he said. Mansell recalled a personal anecdote from his own career to illustrate the importance of asserting dominance within a team. He remembered swapping cars with teammate Riccardo Patrese at the 1992 São Paulo Grand Prix and being dramatically faster, which forced team management to acknowledge his superior performance.
"The point is, you have to stamp your authority," he explained. "Kimi has done a fantastic job. He’s young, everyone is rooting for him, and it’s going to be exciting to watch his development." Looking ahead, the Formula 1 calendar returns on May 1‑3 for the Miami Grand Prix, which will also host the season’s second Sprint weekend, broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. Fans can stream the action via NOW without a contract, cancelling at any time.
The renewed vigor shown by Hamilton, combined with the evolving dynamics among the sport’s top drivers, promises an intriguing and competitive season for spectators worldwide.