Mansell Declares Hamilton a 2026 Title Contender After Ferrari Resurgence

Former Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 World Champion Nigel MansellPlayer·Nigel Mansell has voiced his strong belief that Lewis HamiltonPlayer·Lewis Hamilton is a genuine contender for the 2026 title, following a significant upturn in the British driver's performance with FerrariTeam·Ferrari this season. Mansell's comments highlight a remarkable turnaround for Hamilton, who endured a challenging debut year with the Scuderia in 2025, finishing sixth in the standings without a single podium.

The 2026 season has seen a revitalised Lewis HamiltonPlayer·Lewis Hamilton, securing multiple podium finishes and achieving his inaugural victory for FerrariTeam·Ferrari at the Grand Prix of Barcelona-CatalunyaCompetition·Grand Prix of Barcelona-Catalunya. His recent form also includes a second-place finish in Monaco, marking his best result with the team, and securing pole position for the sprint race at the British Grand PrixCompetition·British Grand Prix. This consistent performance has positioned him third in the drivers' standings with 132 points, trailing current leader Andrea Kimi AntonelliPlayer·Andrea Kimi Antonelli by 47 points.

Mansell, the 1992 Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 champion, recalled a conversation with Hamilton earlier in the season.

"It's great for the fans, it's great for Ferrari, and it's fantastic for Lewis. I told him in Miami: 'Come on, you can get back to the front, you can do it,' and he is doing it,"— Nigel Mansell.

According to Mansell, Hamilton's inherent talent means he is always a title threat, provided he has the necessary machinery. "Lewis is always on form. But if you don't have a good car, you can't do it. He is a title contender every time he goes out on track if he has the equipment," Mansell stated, adding that Hamilton's resurgence with FerrariTeam·Ferrari makes him a formidable force. "Winning pole position for the sprint was magical."

Despite his admiration for Hamilton's comeback, Mansell identifies MercedesTeam·Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi AntonelliPlayer·Andrea Kimi Antonelli as the current favourite for the championship. Antonelli, who secured his first pole position at Silverstone with a time of 1:28.111, leads the standings with 179 points, ahead of George RussellPlayer·George Russell with 136 points. Mansell praised Antonelli's efforts, suggesting that the title is his to lose if he maintains his current trajectory. "Antonelli has done an incredible job. If he continues like this, the title is his, and only he can lose it right now. MercedesTeam·Mercedes are class. They are the team to beat," Mansell concluded.

The competitive landscape of Formula 1Competition·Formula 1 in 2026 appears intense, with MercedesTeam·Mercedes emerging as an early favourite. While FerrariTeam·Ferrari and McLarenTeam·McLaren have shown flashes of competitiveness, and Max VerstappenPlayer·Max Verstappen with Red BullTeam·Red Bull remain significant contenders, the battle for the championship is shaping up to be a compelling contest between established champions and rising stars.