Mansell: 'Reinvigorated' Hamilton Fired Up Again at Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton has ended his podium drought and appears revitalized at Ferrari in 2026, with former champion Nigel Mansell noting the seven-time world champion is "fired up again" after a difficult first season with the team. Hamilton secured his first podium for Ferrari with a third-place finish in China, showing much-improved pace relative to teammate Charles Leclerc, which he attributes to a car finally built to suit his driving style.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's return to form is a significant narrative shift for both the driver and Ferrari. After a challenging 2025 season where he was often off Leclerc's pace, his resurgence validates Ferrari's winter development and provides the team with two consistently competitive drivers. For Hamilton, it signals a potential late-career revival and the possibility of challenging for a race win, which would be a monumental achievement in his new chapter.

The details:

• Ending the Drought: Hamilton's podium in China was his first in 16 months and his maiden top-three finish since joining Ferrari, marking a tangible turning point in his Scuderia career.
• Mansell's Assessment: 1992 world champion Nigel Mansell observed Hamilton is "reinvigorated," crediting Ferrari for a "fabulous job over the winter" that has put them in the mix with Mercedes and McLaren.
• Driver-Car Synergy: Hamilton explained the stark contrast between seasons, noting the 2025 car was "not really built for me" as it was an evolution of the previous design. For 2026, his specific feedback—particularly on suspension elements—was incorporated after persistent lobbying, resulting in a car he and Leclerc both prefer.
• Mental and Physical Prep: The Briton also cited being better prepared "mind and body" than ever before, contributing to his improved performances.
• The Intra-Mercedes Battle: Mansell also commented on the title fight between Mercedes teammates George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli, who leads by nine points. He emphasized that Russell, the more experienced driver, needs to "stamp his authority" to overcome the momentum of the highly-touted Antonelli.

What's next:

The immediate focus is whether Hamilton can convert his renewed pace and a more suitable car into a race victory in 2026. Mansell did not rule out that possibility. The season resumes with the Miami Grand Prix on May 1-3, where the competitive order between the resurgent Ferrari, dominant Mercedes, and chasing McLaren will be tested again. Meanwhile, the pressure builds on George Russell to respond to Kimi Antonelli's strong start in their internal championship duel.