Lewis Hamilton says he’s “back to his best” after first Ferrari podium in China

Lewis Hamilton said he is “back to his best” after finishing third at the Chinese Grand Prix to secure his first podium for Ferrari. The 41-year-old held off teammate Charles Leclerc after a tense, wheel-to-wheel fight in Shanghai.

The race was won by Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, who took his first Formula One victory. George Russell made it a Mercedes one-two in second, with Hamilton completing the podium.

A long duel with Leclerc decides the podium

Hamilton’s drive was defined by an extended scrap with Leclerc. The pair ran close for much of the race, trading positions and pressure without a major incident.

Hamilton ultimately beat Leclerc to third. It was his first grand prix podium since the Las Vegas GP in November 2024.

Hamilton points to a winter reset

Hamilton linked the result to a mental and physical reboot over the winter. He said his off-season preparation was the most intense of his career, and that recovery takes longer as he gets older.

He also described the podium as a major challenge, after a difficult first year with Ferrari. Hamilton struggled for form in 2025 as he adapted to a new team and a car he repeatedly said did not suit him.

This weekend, he sounded different. He said the work done with Ferrari has restored confidence, and that there is still more performance to unlock as he continues learning the car.

Antonelli’s breakthrough underlines Mercedes strength

Antonelli’s win was a landmark moment for Mercedes and for the 19-year-old Italian. He converted pole into victory, while Russell’s second place reinforced Mercedes’ early-season pace.

For Hamilton, the result added an extra edge. Antonelli is widely viewed as the driver who stepped into the sport’s next era at Mercedes, while Hamilton began his own new chapter at Ferrari.

Verstappen blasts the new rules while Hamilton praises them

The race also reopened the debate over Formula One’s new regulations. Max Verstappen retired in China with a technical issue, then criticised the current style of racing in blunt terms.

Hamilton took the opposite view. He said the cars are easier to follow, and that battles feel closer and cleaner. He described the racing as the best he has experienced in F1, comparing the feel to go-karting as cars ran inches apart.

What this podium changes for Ferrari

Ferrari’s first Hamilton podium will ease pressure after a turbulent debut season. It also signals that the team’s development direction may now be closer to Hamilton’s preferences.

One race does not define a season. Still, the mood has shifted. Hamilton left Shanghai with a tangible result, renewed belief, and a clear message that his Ferrari story is only getting started.