F1 legend backs Hamilton for major Ferrari 'resurgence'

F1 legend Nigel Mansell has backed Lewis Hamilton to undergo a major "resurgence" at Ferrari. 

Hamilton will become a Ferrari driver this year, having opted to leave Mercedes after 12 seasons together. 

At 39 years old, Hamilton has taken the gamble to join the Italian squad, the first team he will race for whose operations are based outside the United Kingdom.

His move comes on the back of a disappointing 2024 season, as despite taking two victories, he was comfortably behind team-mate George Russell. 

Mansell is impressed at Hamilton's decision to join an improving Ferrari, and believes the seven-time world champion is not an "underdog" alongside Charles Leclerc.

"I think that what Lewis has done by deciding to join Ferrari is the most magical thing he could have done,’ Mansell told the Daily Mail. "The team is ultra-competitive. They could go for the championship.

"I don’t care what anybody says about Lewis. He is a class act. I have always been a fan of his. I was a lone voice for a while. He has made me feel very proud that I saw an incredibly talented young man who came and took the F1 scene by storm.

"It won’t be easy going against Leclerc but I think it will be healthy. Some people might see Lewis as an underdog but I think those people would be making a huge mistake if they do that. 

"I think he will surprise everybody. It might take him a couple of tests to get comfortable but I see a total resurgence at Ferrari."

Hamilton could win eighth title

The dynamic between Hamilton and Leclerc is one which will make for fascinating viewing, given how high Ferrari rate the Monegasque driver. 

He is seen as Ferrari's golden boy, however, partnering Hamilton marks his greatest F1 challenge to-date. 

Mansell, the 1992 F1 champion, expects Leclerc to be difficult to beat, but believes a confident Hamilton is capable of anything, even an eighth drivers' title.

"That is not to say Charles won’t give him a run for his money and he has some weekends where he does everything perfectly," added Mansell. 

“But you have to do it more consistently. Lots of people win races but putting championships together is a different story.

"I will go out on a limb and I will guarantee that, if Lewis can find his motivation, he has got another championship in him. Easily. 

"Never say never in this game and [2025] should be very competitive. Ferrari have done a good job and I think it will be incredibly exciting."