British F1 legend Nigel Mansell has blasted critics of Lewis Hamilton and tipped the 39-year-old to win a historic eighth F1 title when he moves to Ferrari at the end of the campaign.
Hamilton finished second during Sunday’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, with team-mate George Russell securing glory.
With Max Verstappen securing fifth, the Red Bull driver also clinched the F1 Drivers’ Championship for the fourth year in a row.
Hamilton’s time with Mercedes is drawing to a close, with the veteran poised to join Ferrari in 2025.
F1 news: Nigel Mansell has blasted critics of Lewis Hamilton and tipped the 39-year-old to win a historic eighth title when he moves to Ferrari at the end of the campaign
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Many have been quick to write off the Briton as a faded force given he’s been unable to challenge Verstappen over the past few years.
Yet Mansell has blasted critics of the Stevenage-born racer and tipped him to shine when he moves to Maranello next year.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said: “I think that what Lewis has done by deciding to join Ferrari is the most magical thing he could have done.
“The team is ultra-competitive. They could go for the championship next year.
“I don’t care what anybody says about Lewis. He is a class act. I have always been a fan of his.
“I was a lone voice for a while. He has made me feel very proud that I saw an incredibly talented young man who came and took the F1 scene by storm.
“It won’t be easy going against [Charles] Leclerc but I think it will be healthy.
“Some people might see Lewis as an underdog but I think those people would be making a huge mistake if they do that.
“I think he will surprise everybody. It might take him a couple of tests to get comfortable but I see a total resurgence at Ferrari.
“That is not to say Charles won’t give him a run for his money and he has some weekends where he does everything perfectly.
“But you have to do it more consistently. Lots of people win races but putting championships together is a different story.
“I will go out on a limb and I will guarantee that, if Lewis can find his motivation, he has got another championship in him. Easily.
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“Never say never in this game and next year should be very competitive. Ferrari have done a good job and I think it will be incredibly exciting.”
Hamilton has struggled ever since missing out on F1 title glory back in 2020.
While he’s been inconsistent, however, there have been encouraging signs nonetheless.
Hamilton was impressive on Sunday as he finished second in Las Vegas and, in the aftermath of the result, hailed the staff that helped both himself and Russell shine.
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F1 news: Lewis Hamilton finished second at the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Sunday
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“I had a great time, when you’re progressing it’s always a great feeling,” he said.
“It felt very much like my old days [karting] at Rye House, starting at the back and coming through – so it was great.
“[It was a] really good balance in the car today, felt a lot better than it was yesterday – particularly Q3 – but it’s just phenomenal for the team.
“It is slightly bittersweet as if we had qualified where we should have yesterday, I think I could have won. Nevertheless, I didn’t think I would have been able to finish P2 today before the race so I’m very happy.”
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