Shanghai, March 16: Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton secured his first Grand Prix podium with Scuderia Ferrari after an intense and action-packed race at the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday.
Racing at the Shanghai International Circuit, Hamilton delivered a determined performance in Ferrari colours, battling fiercely with teammate Charles Leclerc and the two Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team drivers throughout the race to secure a place on the podium.
The British driver made an impressive start and briefly surged into the lead before Mercedes’ stronger race pace began to show in the later stages. Despite tyre wear and relentless pressure from rivals, Hamilton maintained his composure to claim his first full Grand Prix podium since joining Ferrari.
Reflecting on the race, Hamilton described it as one of the most enjoyable contests of his Formula One career, praising the close and fair wheel-to-wheel battles.
The race was won by Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who celebrated his maiden Formula One victory. The moment carried special emotional significance as Antonelli’s dream came full circle.
In 2018, he had met Hamilton as a young grid kid at the 2018 Italian Grand Prix in Monza, and eight years later the young Italian stood beside his childhood hero on the podium as a Formula One race winner.
Hamilton congratulated Antonelli after the race, saying he was honoured to share the podium moment with the young driver who has now taken his former seat at Mercedes.
Hamilton also expressed gratitude to the Ferrari team in Maranello for providing a competitive package under the new 2026 regulations, though he acknowledged that the team still has work to do to consistently challenge for victories.
The podium finish marks an important milestone in Hamilton’s Ferrari journey and offers renewed optimism for the iconic Italian team as the Formula One season gathers momentum.
Source: Motorsport, F1
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