Mansell: Hamilton not too old for Ferrari, I won my title at that age

Speaking to the BBC, Mansell declared: "Hamilton is not too old for the task." The announcement of Hamilton's move to Ferrari sent shockwaves through the paddock at the start of the 2024 Formula 1 season.

The seven-time F1 world champion, already the most successful driver in F1 history, is set to don the iconic red of Scuderia Ferrari. Hamilton is expected to take to the track for the first time with his new team at Ferrari's Fiorano test circuit later this month.

Hamilton has made no secret of his ambition: to secure an unprecedented eighth drivers' title with Ferrari and further cement his place in the sport’s history. However, this is no small feat. The task has eluded even other world champions like Alain Prost, Fernando Alonso, and Sebastian Vettel, who failed to claim titles during their stints with the Italian team.

Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari marks a rare instance of a British driver competing for the team. In Formula 1 history, ten British drivers have raced for Ferrari, but only two—Mike Hawthorn and John Surtees—have won championships with the Scuderia, in 1958 and 1964, respectively.

Mansell, who raced for Ferrari in 1989 and 1990, remains a fan favourite in Italy, where his aggressive driving style earned him the nickname “il leone” (the lion).

Reflecting on Hamilton’s move, now 71 Mansell, who was 39 when he won the 1993 F1 title, expressed his belief in the seven-time champion’s ability to succeed: "I hear some people complaining that Lewis is too old now. I don't believe that. I won my world championship title at that age, and I would have continued driving for many more years if politics hadn't gotten in the way.

"If Hamilton can keep his inner fire, then he still has some great years ahead of him. I think this whole thing with him at Ferrari is fabulous. I can well imagine that Lewis will end his career at Ferrari. He is realising his dream—he will be a Ferrari driver at the end of his career," added Mansell.

While Mansell is optimistic, history serves as a reminder of the challenges that await Hamilton at Ferrari. Both Surtees and Mansell left the team disillusioned, citing political complexities and intense pressure as obstacles. Whether Hamilton can overcome these hurdles remains to be seen, but his ambition to claim an eighth title and end his career on a high is unmistakable.

Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari will undoubtedly be one of the most closely watched storylines in 2025, as fans and critics alike wait to see if he can achieve the ultimate dream: a Formula 1 world championship in Red, a record eighth.

John Surtees (Pictured above with Enzo Ferrari)
Years: 1963–1966
Number of races: 30
Pole positions: 4
Best race laps: 6
Wins: 4
Best World Championship placing with Ferrari: World Champion 1964

Mike Hawthorn
Years: 1953–1955 and 1957–1958
Number of races: 35
Pole positions: 4
Best racing laps: 6
Wins: 3
Best World Championship placing with Ferrari: World Champion 1958

Peter Collins
Years: 1956–1958
Number of races: 20
Pole positions: 0
Best racing laps: 0
Wins: 3
Best World Championship placing with Ferrari: 3rd World Championship 1956

Cliff Allison
Years: 1959-1960
Number of races: 7
Pole positions: 0
Best racing laps: 0
Wins: 0
Best World Championship placing with Ferrari: 12th World Championship 1960

Tony Brooks
Year: 1959
Number of races: 7
Pole positions: 2
Best racing laps: 1
Wins: 2
Best World Championship placing with Ferrari: 2nd World Championship 1959

Mike Parkes
Years: 1966-1967
Number of races: 6
Pole positions: 1
Best race laps: 0
Wins: 0
Best World Championship placing with Ferrari: 8th. 1966

Jonathan Williams
Year: 1967
Number of races: 1
Pole positions: 0
Best race laps: 0
Victories: 0
Best World Championship placing with Ferrari: –

Derek Bell
Year: 1968
Number of races: 2
Pole positions: 0
Best race laps: 0
Victories: 0
Best World Championship placing with Ferrari: –

Nigel Mansell
Years: 1989-1990
Number of races: 31
Pole positions: 3
Best race laps: 6
Victories: 3
Best World Championship placing with Ferrari: 4th in the World Championship 1989

Eddie Irvine (Northern Ireland)
Years: 1996-1999
Number of races: 65
Pole positions: 0
Best race laps: 1
Victories: 4
Best World Championship placing with Ferrari: 2nd in the World Championship 1999