Former Formula 1 champion Nigel Mansell says that Lewis Hamilton has rediscovered his spark this season, describing the seven‑time world champion as "reinvigorated" and eager to compete again at the highest level. Hamilton broke a 16‑month stretch without a podium finish by securing third place at the Chinese Grand Prix – his first podium since moving to Ferrari in 2025 – and the result has been hailed as a clear sign that the 41‑year‑old driver is back in form. The recent race also demonstrated that Hamilton is now much closer to his teammate Charles Leclerc in terms of lap times.
Last year, Hamilton struggled to extract performance from the previous generation of Ferrari, often finding himself off the pace of his rivals. This season’s new technical regulations, however, appear to suit Hamilton’s driving style better, prompting Mansell to suggest that a race win for the Briton is well within reach as the year progresses. "Lewis is fired up again. He’s had an extraordinary career and what he’s doing now is fantastic," Mansell told Sky Sports News.
"He’s truly reinvigorated. Ferrari have done a superb job over the winter, putting the car in a position to challenge the front‑runners. Mercedes remain the benchmark, and McLaren are closing the gap as well." Hamilton himself credited a more disciplined preparation routine for his resurgence. After the Japanese Grand Prix, he explained that he had "prepared my mind and body better than ever before," a holistic approach that he believes has helped him regain confidence and consistency on track.
When asked about his first year with Ferrari, Hamilton admitted that the car he inherited was not built around his preferences. "When I joined Ferrari last year, I had nothing to do with the development of that car.
It was essentially an evolution of the previous model, and it didn’t really suit my driving style," he said. He also highlighted budget‑cap constraints that prevented the team from fitting certain components, such as a more sophisticated suspension system, during the season. The British champion explained that the team deliberately limited development on the 2025 car to focus resources on the 2026 package. "It was a really tough season because we didn’t develop the car throughout the year.
I spent a lot of time in the simulator, working closely with the engineers and learning what the car needed," Hamilton recalled. He added that he repeatedly pushed for specific upgrades, insisting that they be incorporated into the next year’s design.
"We come into this year’s car with a clean slate. I asked for a few key changes, and I’m grateful that Ferrari listened. Charles and I have tested the new parts and we both love the feel," Hamilton said, indicating that the collaborative effort has already begun to pay dividends. Mansell, who fought several title battles in the 1980s before clinching his own championship in 1992, also turned his attention to the broader championship narrative.
He warned that the 2026 drivers’ title could evolve into a two‑horse race if Mercedes manage to maintain or extend their advantage over the rest of the grid. In that scenario, teammates George Russell and the rising star Kimi Antonelli could emerge as the primary contenders for the crown. Antonelli currently leads Russell by nine points after consecutive victories in China and Japan. Mansell believes Russell’s experience will be crucial in the intra‑team duel.
"George is a great driver. Sometimes the chips fall one way, sometimes another, and luck plays a part.
It’s a long season, and you need incredible focus to stay ahead," he observed. He recalled a memorable anecdote from his own career involving teammate Riccardo Patrese in 1992. "Patrese thought I had a special car.
We swapped qualifying cars at São Paulo early in the season, and I was two seconds quicker in his machine. The next lap I was 1.5 seconds faster in his car – that’s how you stamp authority," Mansell recounted, drawing a parallel to the importance of confidence and performance in today’s battles.
Mansell also praised Antonelli’s progress, noting that the young Italian is already attracting widespread support. "Kimi has done a great job. He’s young, everyone is rooting for him, and it’s going to be exciting to watch how the season unfolds," he added.
Looking ahead, the Formula 1 calendar resumes on May 1‑3 with the Miami Grand Prix, which will also host the second Sprint weekend of the year. Fans can catch the action live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming options available through NOW without a long‑term contract. The upcoming races will provide a crucial test of whether Hamilton’s renewed vigor can translate into a victory, and whether the emerging rivalry between Russell and Antonelli will shape the championship narrative.
In summary, Nigel Mansell’s assessment paints a picture of a revitalized Hamilton who has found a car that better matches his style, a team willing to adapt, and a personal commitment to peak physical and mental preparation. If the new regulations continue to play to his strengths, the former champion’s words suggest that a win for Hamilton could be on the horizon, adding another compelling chapter to his storied career.