Mansell: Hamilton to Ferrari is 'magical step' towards eighth F1 title
10/12/2024 04:51 AM
F1 legend Nigel Mansell believes that Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari is a "magical step" for the seven-time world champion, one that will allow him to contend for the world title in 2025.
Hamilton's decision earlier this year to part ways with Mercedes and join the Scuderia sent shockwaves through the paddock.
At 39, the Briton had opted to leave his surrogate family after an immensely successful relationship that yielded six championships between 2013 and 2024 to embark on a bold new challenge with Formula 1's most successful team in its 74-year history.
Mansell is no stranger to the House of Maranello, having moved from Williams to Ferrari in 1989 for a two-year stint with the Italian outfit to which the 1992 F1 world champion delivered three victories.
Mansell believes that Hamilton's transition to the iconic team will not only reignite his passion but also provide him with the tools to challenge for his elusive eighth title.
"I've been a Lewis Hamilton fan all the time and I predicted he'd be one of the best ever," Mansell told Top Offshore Sportsbooks.
"He's done that. He gets a lot of criticism. I think what he's done now to end his career in Formula 1 going to Ferrari is a magical step for him."
For Hamilton, an eighth world title would see him detach himself from Michael Schumacher and become the record holder of the greatest number of championships in the sport's history.
But such an achievement would also deliver to Ferrari its first driver's title since Kimi Raikkonen in 2007, meaning the Briton would bring an end to an incredible 18-year drought.
"He won't realise, having been an ex-Formula 1 Ferrari driver, to drive for Ferrari is something incredibly special and he'll feed off that," added Mansell.
"Give Lewis the car, he'll get the job done, and so I predict that he will have a fabulous time at Ferrari.
"He'll go into a different gear. He'll be motivated again, and I expect Lewis to challenge for the World Championship in 2025."
Hamilton's arrival at Ferrari will see him paired with current lead driver Charles Leclerc, who has consistently been one of the top competitors in the sport.
The Monegasque's presence ensures that the Briton will face stiff competition within his own team, but Mansell seems confident that Hamilton's experience and skill will allow him to rise to the occasion.
The task ahead is not without its challenges, as Ferrari will need to close the gap to McLaren and other front-running teams if Hamilton is to fight for the title.
But for Mansell, Hamilton's unique talent, combined with the magic of Ferrari, could create the perfect formula for success.
"Lewis is eccentric at times, but Lewis is a class act. Nobody can take away his achievements," Mansell concluded.
"Yes, he's had the most fantastic cars and support and everything else, but Lewis is great. I hope he pulls it off next year."
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
The post Mansell: Hamilton to Ferrari is 'magical step' towards eighth F1 title appeared first on F1i.com.
