Mansell backing Hamilton to succeed at Ferrari as he predicts ‘amazing year’ for F1

Former Ferrari driver Nigel Mansell has thrown his support behind Lewis Hamilton after the seven-time World Champion’s “absolutely brilliant” move to the Scuderia.

Hamilton ended a stay of more than a decade at Mercedes to embark on a fresh challenge with the Italian marque, officially making the switch at the start of the year with an emotional visit to their Maranello headquarters.

Outings in older Ferrari machinery soon followed, before Hamilton got his first taste of the squad’s new challenger in a private run at Fiorano and at last week’s official pre-season test in Bahrain.

Speaking in the Sakhir desert, Hamilton explained how he was “really enjoying” his time behind the wheel of the SF-25, with his “sole focus” being to win at Ferrari.

Mansell, speaking before those outings at the F1 75 Live launch event in London, reckons his experienced fellow Briton has what it takes to write another chapter of success in the sport.

BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - FEBRUARY 26: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain driving the (44) Scuderia Ferrari — Hamilton hit the track in his first Ferrari F1 car during pre-season testing in Bahrain last week

“40 years young,” Mansell, who raced for Ferrari in 1989 and 1990 and won the 1992 title with Williams, smiled to Sky Sports.

“I think it’s absolutely brilliant, I have to say. I think he’s got most of the fans behind him. I’m certainly behind him.

“I think he can do it. It’s so exciting for him and Ferrari. I think it will be the most amazing year to watch, and [we] have the excitement before us.”

Another ex-Ferrari driver in Jean Alesi shared similar thoughts to Mansell on the suitably coloured red carpet, while referencing the driver Hamilton replaced in Carlos Sainz and his new team mate in Charles Leclerc.

“I know many people in Ferrari… he impressed everybody,” said the Frenchman, who represented Ferrari from 1991 through 1995, taking his sole Grand Prix win with the outfit.

Lewis Hamilton’s first reflections of his Ferrari testing debut

“He impressed everybody [with] his presence, the way he presents himself to the team. It was really a cultural shock for Ferrari to have such a champion.

“Without taking anything [away from] Charles and Carlos, so far he impressed everybody.”

Pushed on how Hamilton’s partnership with Leclerc might unfold, Alesi added: “Charles is going to be definitely more competitive, having such a champion with him. Lewis will give him definitely more motivation.

“It’s F1. You have to be tough and fast, and I’m sure that is the case [for] Charles.”

Hamilton, Leclerc and the rest of the grid will be back in action next weekend, with the season-opening Australian Grand Prix taking place from March 14-16.