Ex-F1 world champion backs ‘class-act’ Lewis Hamilton to shock everyone at Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton has joined the Maranello-based Ferrari Formula 1 team on a sensational multi-year deal.

Ex-F1 world champion backs ‘class-act’ Lewis Hamilton to shock everyone at Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO), Ferrari logo (via Ferrari)

The seven-time champion of the world, Lewis Hamilton, has officially become a Ferrari Formula 1 driver. From 1st January onwards his ties with Mercedes are completely done. In light of everything that has happened around Hamilton’s Ferrari move, Ex-world champion Nigel Mansell has recently made some strong remarks.

As per the legend of the sport (1992 world champion), Lewis Hamilton is going to shock everyone at Ferrari. The latter is moving to the Maranello-based team with the objective of amassing the record-breaking eighth world championship.

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Mansell feels that the 39-year-old still has what it takes to do some magical things in F1.

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. Lewis is a class act. I have always been a fan of his. I was a lone voice for a while.

Nigel Mansell via Daily Mail

Looking at Mansell’s reaction, it is quite clear that he genuinely believes Hamilton could do great things at Ferrari. The seven-time world champion has joined the Fred Vasseur-led outfit on a sensational multi-year deal.

Is Lewis Hamilton an ‘underdog’ going up against Charles Leclerc?

While Nigel Mansell has backed Lewis Hamilton to do well at Ferrari, he also does not see the latter as an underdog against Charles Leclerc (eighth-time Grand Prix winner). The Monegasque has been driving for the team since 2019 and is one of its most prized possessions.

Charles Leclerc Lewis Hamilton
Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO)

It won’t be easy going against 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.

NIgel Mansell via the same interview

Hamilton was the top dog in the sport during the turbo-hybrid era. However, during the ongoing ground-effect regulations, his stock as an F1 driver has taken a massive hit. During the 2024 season, he was easily outclassed by his Mercedes teammate George Russell, especially in qualifying.

Leclerc is no slouch as well when it comes to putting a challenger through the absolute wringer. Keeping in view everything that has been discussed, the 2025 tussles at Ferrari will be a fascinating watch.