Nigel Mansell Backs Lewis Hamilton for Historic Eighth F1 Crown
Formula 1 legend Nigel Mansell has delivered a heartfelt and uplifting message to Lewis Hamilton, expressing his romantic hope that the British driver can clinch a record-breaking eighth world championship before retiring from the sport. Mansell, the 1992 F1 world champion, shared his sentiments in an interview with Sky Sports News, highlighting Hamilton's renewed vigor and Ferrari's promising start to the 2026 season.
Hamilton's Promising Start with Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton has kicked off the 2026 campaign in impressive fashion, securing his first podium finish for Ferrari at the Chinese Grand Prix. After three rounds, the 41-year-old Briton sits fourth in the drivers' standings, trailing leader Kimi Antonelli by 31 points. This marks a significant turnaround from Hamilton's challenging debut season with the Scuderia, which was podium-less, and the frustrating conclusion to his Mercedes tenure, where he controversially missed out on the 2021 title to Max Verstappen.
Hamilton has been vocal about his deep-rooted ambition to surpass Michael Schumacher's record of seven world championships, aiming to stand alone with an eighth title. Mansell believes this drive is now being fueled by a reinvigorated spirit, thanks in part to new regulations this season and Ferrari's strong performance over the winter.
Mansell's Romantic Endorsement
In his interview, Mansell stated, "I'm going to be romantic, I'd like Lewis to do it." He acknowledged the talent of younger drivers like Lando Norris, who has many years ahead, but emphasized his support for Hamilton to cap off his storied career with one final crown. "Come on Lewis! It's special. You've done so many things, mate. Let's just finish it off," Mansell urged, adding, "Lewis is fired up again and I'm a huge fan of Lewis. Lewis has had a brilliant career and it's fantastic what he's doing."
Mansell praised Ferrari's efforts, noting they are "there or thereabouts" in the competitive field, with Mercedes as the forerunners and McLaren also in contention. He expressed optimism about the season's progression, particularly with regulatory tweaks expected during the enforced spring break, which followed the cancellation of April races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to Gulf conflict.
Looking Ahead to an Epic Season
Meetings are underway during the break to adjust regulations ahead of the next race in Miami on 3 May. Mansell predicted that by the time the championship reaches Silverstone on 5 July, the competition will be very close. "I'm hoping for an epic race and there's six or seven drivers that can win, which is lovely," he added, underscoring the potential for a thrilling and unpredictable season.
Hamilton's early success with Ferrari, combined with Mansell's endorsement, sets the stage for a compelling narrative in the 2026 F1 season as the veteran driver pursues his historic eighth title.
