F1 World Champion Nigel Mansell asserted Lewis Hamilton couldn't be too old to win the championship as he won his title at the age of 39.
While many loyal Mercedes fans are unsure what to think about Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari. All former F1 drivers and experts agree it is sensational and excellent for the sport.
The F1 World Champion who won the title with Williams in 1992, Nigel Mansell, suggested it is great both for fans and for the 39-year-old driver, who will probably finish his career with Ferrari. He told BBC Sport:
"I think it's fantastic for the fans and it's incredibly dynamic. I think for Lewis, he'll probably go on and finish his career with Ferrari, it's like a dream come true for him, I would imagine, because going to Ferrari is everything."
Many suggest the seven-time World Champion is now too old and at a disadvantage compared to young guns. However, the former F1 driver doesn't see it that way.
"People are saying Lewis is now too old. At 39? No. I won my championship at 39, and I could have gone on, but the politics got involved."
Hamilton is currently the second-oldest driver in F1. There is still Fernando Alonso, who will turn 43 this year. The Spanish Matador is approximately four years older than the Mercedes driver, and he continues to prove age does not have to be an issue.
"But Lewis, if he's motivated, he's got several, if not a lot more years left, I think it's just fantastic.
Hamilton signed a multi-year deal with Scuderia starting in season 2025. This means the Briton should remain in F1 at least until the end of season 2026 when he will be 41 years old.
"Yes, Lewis can do it, but I'm sure Max [Verstappen] will do everything he can to stop him. And I'm sure Ferrari this next year will do everything they can to stop him."
The 2024 season suddenly has completely different dynamics. How will Hamilton and Mercedes perform, knowing it will be their last year together? Mansell expects two thrilling seasons coming up, as he added:
"But I think we've got a great Formula 1 season coming up, and it certainly looks like we're going to have an exciting one in 2025."