F1 legend hopeful of 'magical' Hamilton Ferrari debut victory

Formula 1 legend Nigel Mansell is hopeful that Lewis Hamilton can win on his Ferrari debut next month in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, a moment he believes would be "magical". 

The 1992 F1 champion drove for Ferrari himself in the 1989 and 1990 seasons, with the Briton having won on his debut for the Scuderia in Brazil. 

Mansell is a huge supporter of Hamilton and is delighted by the seven-time world champion's move to Ferrari. 

Whilst some have questioned if the 40-year-old's move to Maranello has come too late in his career, Mansell has the opposite outlook and insists the timing could not be better.

"I think it's absolutely brilliant," Mansell told ESPN.

"Lewis has done something absolutely amazing. If not the greatest ... I think he is the greatest ever. 

"I hope he wins first time out like I did, because that's a magical moment to win your first race with a new team. Ferrari is right at the top of their game.

"The timing is perfect. Mercedes, Red Bull, Ferrari and [McLaren] as well. It could be the most momentous year in Formula 1."

As has already been discovered by Hamilton in such a short space of time, being a Ferrari driver is unlike representing any other team in the paddock.

Hamilton has been blown away by his first weeks with the team and the support he has already received from the Tifosi. 

Mansell is not surprised by how the Ferrari supporters have reacted to Hamilton's arrival, having experienced the pandemonium himself.

"Driving for Ferrari ... a lot of people go and visit the Pope. The Pope goes to visit Ferrari!" said Mansell. "All the church bells ring when Ferrari wins. It doesn't happen in any other country like that.

"The fans are just incredible. It was one of the most magical moments of my life to win first time out for them."