Nigel Mansell, the 1992 Formula 1 world champion, has expressed his belief that Lewis Hamilton is well-positioned to secure an eighth world title before retiring from the sport. This would make Hamilton the first driver in history to claim eight championships, surpassing the record of Michael Schumacher.
Hamilton has started the 2026 season on a positive note, securing his first podium finish with Ferrari at the Chinese Grand Prix. After three races, he currently sits fourth in the drivers’ standings, 31 points behind Kimi Antonelli, who leads the championship. His performance this season has been a stark contrast to his previous campaign with the Scuderia, which saw him go without a podium finish. Additionally, his time at Mercedes was marked by frustration, particularly after being denied the 2021 title to Max Verstappen in a controversial manner.
Despite these challenges, Hamilton has consistently shown his determination to win another championship. He has made it clear that he wants to etch his name even deeper into the annals of F1 history by achieving this remarkable feat.
Mansell, who has followed Hamilton’s career closely, believes that the new regulations for the 2026 season have reinvigorated the British driver. He has publicly supported Hamilton’s quest for an eighth title, expressing hope that the 41-year-old will finish his career on a high note.
“I’m going to be romantic, I’d like Lewis to do it,” Mansell said in an interview. “Lando [Norris] has so many years ahead of him, he can do it again. But yeah, I mean, come on Lewis! It’s special. You’ve done so many things, mate. Let’s just finish it off.”
Mansell praised Hamilton’s resilience and dedication, highlighting that he has had a brilliant career and continues to push boundaries. He also commended Ferrari for their work over the winter, noting that they are now competitive and capable of challenging for race wins.
“Ferrari has done a fabulous job over the winter. They’re there or thereabouts. Obviously, Mercedes are the forerunners and McLaren is going to be there too,” Mansell added.
Key Developments in the 2026 Season
With the spring break period underway, teams are using this time to assess the impact of the new regulations and explore potential adjustments ahead of the Miami Grand Prix on 3 May. The cancellation of the April races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia due to ongoing conflicts in the Gulf has provided teams with an opportunity to focus on development and strategy.
Mansell believes that the upcoming changes to the regulations could significantly alter the competitive landscape. He expects the racing to become more intense as the season progresses, with several drivers in contention for victory.
“I think when they tweak the regulations and by the time we get to Silverstone [on 5 July], it’ll be very close,” Mansell said. “I’m hoping for an epic race and there’s six or seven drivers that can win, which is lovely.”
Looking Ahead
As the 2026 season unfolds, fans are eagerly anticipating the battle for the championship. With multiple drivers showing strong performances and the potential for rule changes, the competition promises to be more exciting than ever.
Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari has been a rollercoaster, but his determination remains unshaken. If he can maintain his current form and adapt to the evolving rules, he may yet achieve his dream of an eighth title. For now, the focus is on the next race in Miami and the road ahead.
