The whispers Hamilton was about to join Ferrari left many supporters wondering if silly season had started early this year, but the rumour mill on this occasion was 100% true.

Nigel Mansell, who spent two seasons with the Scuderia from 1989 to 1990, thinks the huge move will be a positive one for the sport.

“I think it’s fantastic for the fans and it’s incredibly dynamic,” Mansell told BBC Sport.

“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.”

Hamilton celebrated his 39th birthday last month and by the time the 2025 season gets under way, he will be the latest F1 driver to still be racing at the age of 40.

Mansell secured the 1992 drivers’ championship during his second stint with Williams and said age will play no part in Hamilton’s ability to be competitive.

“People are saying Lewis is now too old,” he said. “At 39? No. I won my championship at 39 and I could have gone on, but the politics got involved.

“But Lewis, if he’s motivated, he’s got several, if not a lot more years left, I think it’s just fantastic.

“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.

“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.”