Former Formula 1 world champion Nigel Mansell has expressed his passionate desire to see Lewis Hamilton capture a record-breaking eighth drivers’ title with Ferrari, calling his wish “romantic” in a recent interview with Sky Sports F1. The 1992 champion believes the 41-year-old Hamilton deserves to add another championship to his collection of seven titles before hanging up his racing gloves for good.
Hamilton’s debut season with Ferrari in 2025 proved challenging, as he finished sixth in the championship without securing a single podium finish. However, the British driver has shown marked improvement in 2026, claiming a podium result in China and currently occupying fourth place in the standings. Ferrari’s enhanced performance this season has rekindled Hamilton’s championship aspirations, though the Scuderia still trails Mercedes’ early-season dominance.
While acknowledging the fierce competition from younger drivers like McLaren’s Lando Norris, Mansell remains optimistic about Hamilton’s chances. “I’m going to be romantic,” Mansell told Sky Sports F1. “I’d like Lewis to do it. Lando has got 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.”
The former British racing star also backed Hamilton to secure a landmark 10th home victory at Silverstone in July, describing the odds as favorable. Mansell praised Hamilton’s reinvigoration at Ferrari, noting the team’s impressive winter development work that has made them competitive alongside frontrunners Mercedes and McLaren. He anticipates regulation tweaks could level the playing field further by the time the British Grand Prix arrives, potentially setting up an “epic race” with six or seven drivers capable of victory.