Lewis Hamilton wants to know it again on the home stretch of his unique Formula 1 career, chasing his dream of an eighth world title in Ferrari red from 2025. The last Briton in Scuderia’s service is certain: Sir Lewis can do it.
Nigel Mansell is the last Englishman to drive a Ferrari in Formula 1. “The Lion” drove for Scuderia for two years and won his first Grand Prix in Brazil for Ferrari in 1989. After that, however, there were only two more victories in red; Mansell and the racing team from Maranello were far away from the world championship at the time.
Mansell only won the long-awaited title with Williams in 1992 – at the age of almost 40. Accordingly, the Briton does not see his compatriot Hamilton on the decline when he begins his involvement with Ferrari in 2025 with 40 years under his belt.
“People say Lewis is too old now,” Mansell told the BBC: “At 39? No. I won my World Cup at 39 and could have continued, but politics got in the way. But Lewis – if he’s motivated “He’s got a few, if not many, years ahead of him. I think that’s just fantastic.”
The F1 legend said he trusts Hamilton to resume the world championship fight with dominator Max Verstappen in his last year at Mercedes and then at Ferrari. “Lewis can do it, but I’m sure Max will do everything to stop him,” said Mansell. And Ferrari will also fight Hamilton again with all its might in 2024.
Formula 1: Hamilton’s move to Ferrari brings “incredible dynamism”
“I think we have a fantastic Formula 1 season ahead of us and it certainly looks like 2025 will be exciting,” Mansell said, looking ahead.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was a “dream,” said the 70-year-old. “It’s great for the fans and brings incredible momentum. Lewis may end his career at Ferrari, it’s like a dream come true for him I would think. Going to Ferrari means everything.”