Lewis Hamilton declared himself 'back to his best' after securing his first podium for Ferrari with a third-place finish at the Chinese Grand Prix. The 41-year-old Briton outperformed teammate Charles Leclerc in a thrilling duel, describing the race as the best he has ever experienced in Formula One.
Hamilton's podium in Shanghai, his first since the Las Vegas GP in November 2024, came after a difficult debut season with Ferrari last year. The seven-time world champion struggled with an uncompetitive car and adaptation issues, calling it a 'nightmare' season. A major winter reset has now paid off, with Ferrari providing a more competitive machine suited to Hamilton's driving style.
'I definitely feel like I'm back to my best, both mentally and physically,' Hamilton said. 'After a difficult year, to be able to be a part of developing with them gives me huge pride. I do think there's more to come.' The race was won by Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli, his first F1 victory, ahead of teammate George Russell.
Hamilton also weighed in on the debate over new regulations, praising them for improving racing. 'I think it's the best racing I've ever experienced in Formula One,' he said. 'The cars are easier to follow. It felt like go-karting, back and forth.' This contrasts with Max Verstappen's criticism, who called the racing 'terrible' and likened it to 'Mario Kart'.
