Lewis Hamilton Declares Return to Form with Ferrari Podium in China
Lewis Hamilton has emphatically stated that he is "back to his best" after securing his first podium finish with Ferrari at the Chinese Grand Prix. The 41-year-old British driver finished third in Shanghai, marking a significant milestone in his career with the iconic Italian team.
A Hard-Fought Achievement
Hamilton's podium came after a thrilling race-long duel with his Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, whom he ultimately beat to claim third place. This result ends a long wait for a top-three finish with Ferrari, his last podium having been at the Las Vegas Grand Prix in November 2024. Reflecting on the achievement, Hamilton expressed both pride and relief.
"I definitely feel like I'm back to my best, both mentally and physically," Hamilton said. "I still think there's room to improve. Training this winter has been the heaviest and the most intense that I've ever had, and that probably comes hand in hand with being older. It takes longer to recover."
He added that this podium was particularly challenging to secure compared to many in his career, describing it as a "biggest challenge" that required patience and a positive mindset cultivated during the off-season.
Overcoming a Nightmare Season
The podium holds extra significance following Hamilton's difficult debut season with Ferrari in 2025. Struggling with an uncompetitive car and adaptation issues, he labeled it a "nightmare" year, plagued by poor results and qualifying sessions. However, a major reset over the winter has paid dividends, with Hamilton showcasing renewed verve and pace, aided by a more competitive Ferrari car better suited to his driving style.
"I started this voyage and this dream of moving to Ferrari and being on the top step with them, and this podium has taken longer than I had hoped," Hamilton noted. "After a difficult year, to be able to be a part of developing with them, working with them over the past year, gives me huge pride."
He remains optimistic about future improvements, stating, "I do think there's more to come. I think I can still eke out more performance from this car. I'm still learning about it as I go."
Race Highlights and Controversial Regulations
The Chinese Grand Prix was won by Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli in his debut Formula One victory, with teammate George Russell finishing second. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen, the four-time champion, retired from the race due to an energy recovery system cooling issue and launched a scathing critique of the new F1 regulations.
"It's terrible. If someone likes this, then you really don't know what racing is like," Verstappen said. "Not fun at all. Playing Mario Kart. This is not racing and I would say the same if I were winning races, because I care about the racing product." He argued that these changes do not appeal to "real F1 fans" and called for their removal.
In contrast, Hamilton praised the new formula, describing it as the best racing he has ever experienced in Formula One. "The cars are easier to follow, much better than past years. You can get very close, there's not a bad wake where you're losing too much downforce," he explained. He likened the experience to go-karting, with close battles that made for an exciting spectacle, a sentiment echoed by enthusiastic fans in Shanghai.
Chinese Grand Prix Results and Standings
The race results and overall standings highlight the competitive nature of the event:
- 1. Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
- 2. George Russell (Mercedes) at 5.52 seconds
- 3. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) at 25.27 seconds
- 4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) at 28.89 seconds
- 5. Oliver Bearman (Haas) at 57.27 seconds
Other notable finishers included Pierre Gasly in sixth and Liam Lawson in seventh. Several drivers, including Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso, did not finish the race.
In the world drivers' championship standings, George Russell leads with 51 points, followed by Kimi Antonelli with 47 points, Charles Leclerc with 34 points, and Lewis Hamilton with 33 points.
