1992 Formula 1 World Champion Nigel Mansell feels that age won’t be a factor in Lewis Hamilton’s pursuit of a record eighth title with Ferrari in 2025 and beyond.
Ferrari announced Thursday that Hamilton had signed a multi-year deal with the Scuderia starting in the ’25 season, by which time he would have turned 40.
Still, Mansell, who was 39 when he won his long-awaited title with the Williams team believes motivation is more important than age when it comes to chasing F1 glory.
“People are saying Lewis is now too old,” Mansell told BBC Sport.
“At 39? No. I won my championship at 39 and I could have gone on, but the politics got involved.
“But Lewis, if he’s motivated, he’s got several, if not a lot more years left, I think it’s just fantastic.”
Hamilton told Italian news outlet Corriere della Sera in 2021 that “I honestly hope I’m not racing at 40,” but has since changed tact.
The Brit undoubtedly will continue to be motivated by his goal of attaining an eighth world title and his form in 2023 suggests age isn’t a limiting factor after comprehensively beating team-mate George Russell in the Drivers’ standings, 234 points to 175 and six podium finishes to two.
As well as this, Fernando Alonso’s resurgence at Aston Martin at the age of 42 also backs up Mansell’s claim and the former racer is excited to see Hamilton do battle with his rivals next year and beyond.
“Yes, Lewis can do it, but I’m sure Max [Verstappen] will do everything he can to stop him,” Mansell added.
“And I’m sure Ferrari this next year will do everything they can to stop him.
“But I think we’ve got a great Formula 1 season coming up, and it certainly looks like we’re going to have an exciting one in 2025.”
In 2025, Hamilton will become the first Englishman to drive for Ferrari since Mansell joined the Scuderia in 1989.
Mansell immediately endeared himself to the Tifosi by winning the opening race of the ’89 season after McLaren dominated the previous year and similarly spirited displays earned him the nickname ‘Il Leone’ (The Lion).
With regards to Hamilton, Mansell believes he’s secured a “dream” move to Maranello.
“I think it’s fantastic for the fans and it’s incredibly dynamic,” he commented.
“I think for Lewis, he’ll probably go on and finish his career with Ferrari, it’s like a dream come true for him, I would imagine, because going to Ferrari is everything.”
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