Mansell backs Hamilton’s bid for an eighth world title

Former 1992 champion Nigel Mansell says Lewis Hamilton looks “reinvigorated” and is set to chase an eighth Drivers’ Championship with Ferrari before retiring. After a rocky start with the Scuderia, Hamilton earned his first podium for the team in Shanghai and a points finish at Suzuka in the 2026 car.

Why it matters

An eighth title would crown Hamilton as the sport’s most successful driver and finally deliver Ferrari a championship, underscoring the respect he commands among former champions.

The details

• Mansell said Hamilton is “fired up” and “reinvigorated”, urging him to finish his quest for an eighth title before retiring.
• The 41‑year‑old rebounded from a tough Ferrari debut, taking his first podium in Shanghai and a points finish at Suzuka in 2026.
• Silverstone gives Hamilton a shot at a 10th home win, a milestone that would underline his dominance.
• Mansell praised Ferrari’s off‑season work, saying they’ve “caught up” with Mercedes and that McLaren will also be a contender.
• He hopes regulation tweaks before Silverstone will tighten the grid, creating an “epic” race where several drivers can win, and notes Verstappen is a class act while flagging rule concerns.

What's next

Silverstone will test Hamilton’s form and any regulation tweaks. A tighter grid could turn the race into a multi‑winner showdown that reshapes the championship.