Nigel Mansell, the 1992 F1 World Champion, has thrown his weight behind Lewis Hamilton’s pursuit of an eighth title with Ferrari, insisting age gained’t be an element for the Briton when he joins the Scuderia in 2025 at 40.
F1 continues to be buzzing with the information final Friday of Hamilton’s future switch to the Home of Maranello.
Whereas hypothesis is rampant about how the Mercedes driver will fare in opposition to future teammate Charles Leclerc, the sensational transfer has additionally sparked a debate about whether or not it should come too late in Hamilton’s profession for the seven-time F1 world champion.
However Mansell, who was 39 when he gained the world title with Williams in 1992, disregards age considerations and says motivation is a extra essential issue.
“Persons are saying Lewis is now too outdated,” Mansell informed BBC Sport. “At 39? No. I gained my championship at 39 and I might have gone on, however the politics acquired concerned.
“However Lewis, if he’s motivated, he’s acquired a number of, if not much more years left, I believe it’s simply implausible.”
Fernando Alonso’s stage of efficiency in F1 final season at 42 with Aston Martin additional strengthens Mansell’s level.
Wanting in the direction of the long run, the latter is anticipating some titanic battles between Hamilton, Verstappen and others.
“Sure, Lewis can do it, however I’m certain Max will do all the things he can to cease him,” Mansell added. “And I’m certain Ferrari this subsequent 12 months will do all the things they’ll to cease him.
“However I believe we’ve acquired an incredible System 1 season arising, and it definitely appears to be like like we’re going to have an thrilling one in 2025.”
In 2025, Hamilton will change into the primary Englishman to race for Ferrari since Mansell in 1989. The latter rapidly gained the hearts of the Tifosi because of his fiery racing model that earned him the nickname ‘Il Leone’.
Throughout his two -year stint with Ferrari, Mansell claimed three wins with the Scuderia.
“I believe it’s implausible for the followers and it’s extremely dynamic,” he stated, commenting on Hamilton’s prospects.
“I believe for Lewis, he’ll in all probability go on and end his profession with Ferrari, it’s like a dream come true for him, I’d think about, as a result of going to Ferrari is all the things.”
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