Shanghai, China – Lewis Hamilton described the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix as “one of the most enjoyable races I’ve had,” following a thrilling contest with teammate Charles Leclerc and a podium finish for the seven-time World Champion. The race at the Shanghai International Circuit marked Hamilton’s first appearance on the podium since joining Ferrari, signaling a positive step forward for the Italian team.
Hamilton finished third in the 56-lap Grand Prix, securing a valuable result after starting from P3 on the grid. The race began with a bold move around polesitter Kimi Antonelli, though the position was conceded on the following lap. The majority of Hamilton’s race then focused on a spirited battle with Leclerc, with the Ferrari drivers engaging in several wheel-to-wheel passes throughout the contest. Hamilton prevailed in the intra-team duel, finishing behind the Mercedes duo of George Russell and Antonelli.
“It was one of the most enjoyable races I’ve had in a long, long time, if ever, the fact that the cars are the way they are this year,” Hamilton said after the race. “And that battle with Charles at the end was awesome – great wheel-to-wheel battle, extremely fair and just what we want.” He acknowledged a minor contact with Leclerc, describing it as “a kiss,” but emphasized the positive nature of the competitive racing. Hamilton also expressed gratitude to the entire Ferrari team back in Maranello for their efforts in improving the car’s performance.
While pleased with the result, Hamilton acknowledged that Ferrari still has work to do to challenge Mercedes for the top spot. “I grasp it’s not exactly where we want to be – we want to be up front where these guys [Mercedes] are, but we’ve got a great platform to work off and we’ve just got to [go] literally full gas,” he stated. He also extended congratulations to Antonelli, who secured his first Grand Prix victory, noting that the young driver had taken his former seat at Mercedes. Formula1.com reports that Hamilton was particularly impressed with the progress Mercedes has made.
Hamilton’s Weekend Performance
The Chinese Grand Prix weekend saw a strong performance from Hamilton, building on a third-place finish in Saturday’s 19-lap Sprint race. This result came after a challenging practice session where he experienced a spin. Despite the early setback, the Ferrari team was able to make significant improvements to the car’s setup, leading to a competitive showing in both qualifying and the races. Hamilton noted that Ferrari identified a power deficit compared to Mercedes, a concern that the team is actively addressing. According to Formula1.com, Hamilton believes Ferrari can compete with Mercedes through the corners but needs to close the gap in straight-line speed.
Antonelli’s Breakthrough Victory
The race also marked a significant milestone for Kimi Antonelli, who secured his maiden Formula 1 victory. Hamilton was effusive in his praise for the young Italian driver, stating, “I have to say a huge congratulations to Kimi – I’m so, so happy for you buddy, and I’m so honoured to be able to share this moment with him.” He acknowledged that Antonelli had stepped into his former seat at Mercedes and congratulated the team on their performance. Mercedes appears to be making significant strides, leaving Ferrari with a clear target to chase.
The competitive spirit between Hamilton and Leclerc was a key storyline of the race, demonstrating the team’s willingness to allow its drivers to compete for position. This dynamic, while potentially risky, could ultimately push both drivers to perform at their best and contribute to Ferrari’s overall success. The close racing also provided a spectacle for fans, highlighting the excitement and intensity of Formula 1.
Looking ahead, Ferrari will continue to focus on improving the car’s performance, particularly its power unit, to close the gap to Mercedes. The team will analyze the data from the Chinese Grand Prix and implement upgrades in the coming races. The development battle between Ferrari and Mercedes is expected to intensify as the 2026 season progresses, promising a thrilling contest for the championship. The next race on the calendar will be closely watched to see if Ferrari can build on the momentum gained in Shanghai.
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