British legend foresaw Hamilton's resurgence: "I told him in Miami"

After a difficult debut campaign with Ferrari in 2025, Hamilton has found form this year. The Briton claimed multiple podiums, and won the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix as well, which was his first triumph for the Scuderia.

Speaking to Sky Sports, 1992 F1 world champion Mansell said he had already told Hamilton during the Miami Grand Prix that he could do it. He said: "It’s great for the fans, it’s great for Ferrari and fantastic for Lewis. I told him in Miami ‘go on you can have a resurgence, you can do it’ and he’s doing it."

At the moment, the seven-time world champion sits third place in the drivers' standings, 47 points behind Kimi Antonelli. According to the former Ferrari driver, Hamilton is championship contender once he has the right equipment.

He continued: "He is always there. If you don’t have the equipment, you can’t do it. He’s a title contender any time he goes out if he’s got the equipment. It’s fair to say a number of others are as well. Lewis is resurgent now with Ferrari and it will take a lot to hold him back. Getting Sprint pole [on Friday] was magical."

The British legend, however, believes the Mercedes is the current favourite in Formula 1. "Antonelli has done an amazing job. If he carries on like he does it is his title to lose at the moment. Mercedes are a class act. They are the team to beat," Mansell concluded.

Hamilton was then asked whether he feels he can beat Antonelli in tomorrow's race, but poured cold water on those hopes - citing his loss of P1 to the 19-year-old during an exciting Sprint Race earlier on Saturday.

"I mean we couldn't this morning," Hamilton replied. "So, I don't think that really changes, and he's just gone way quicker than I went yesterday. So, nothing's changed between this morning, and nothing will change between today and tomorrow. We'll do our best to hold onto them, but ultimately if he gets a clean run he'll be gone," the Ferrari driver explained.