Lewis Hamilton finds reinvigorated form at Ferrari says Nigel Mansell
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has been “reinvigorated” by Ferrari’s 2026 Formula 1 car following his first podium finish for the Italian team, according to Nigel Mansell.
The British driver ended a 16-month podium drought by finishing third at the recent Chinese Grand Prix.
He has looked visibly more comfortable compared to his difficult debut campaign with the Scuderia in 2025.
The 41-year-old is now closely matching the pace of highly-rated team-mate Charles Leclerc under the sport’s new technical regulations.
A new era suits the veteran
Former world champion Mansell believes his compatriot could even challenge for race victories later this year.
“Lewis is fired up again. Lewis has had a brilliant career and it’s fantastic what he’s doing.”
Nigel Mansell
Mansell noted that Ferrari have done a fabulous job over the winter, placing themselves firmly in contention behind early forerunners Mercedes.
The former Mercedes star admitted in Japan that rigorous physical and mental preparation played a crucial role in his resurgence.
Overcoming a difficult transition
The sport’s most successful driver struggled to adapt during his first year at Maranello after inheriting a car designed before his arrival.
Strict budget caps prevented the team from making fundamental suspension changes to suit his specific driving style last season.
Instead, development was halted early to focus entirely on the sweeping regulation changes introduced for the current campaign.
His extensive work in the simulator has yielded a 2026 challenger that features several of his requested upgrades.
“We come to this year’s car and it’s a completely new start for everybody but we have a couple things I asked for, which I’m grateful that they listened to.”
Lewis Hamilton
He added that both he and Leclerc have tested the new components and are delighted with the early results.
