Hamilton Scores First Ferrari Podium at Chinese Grand Prix
After more than a year without reaching the podium, Lewis Hamilton finally claimed third place for Ferrari at the Chinese Grand Prix. The racing legend says his first win with the Italian team now feels closer than ever.
Lewis Hamilton is smiling again after ending his longest podium drought in a career spanning two decades of Formula One racing.
The seven-time world champion finished third at the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai on Sunday, marking his first podium appearance since joining Ferrari in January 2025. For a driver who spent an entire season without reaching the top three, the moment represented more than just a trophy.
"I definitely feel like I'm back to my best, both mentally and physically," the 41-year-old British driver said after the race. His third-place finish behind two Mercedes drivers proved that his struggles with Ferrari might finally be ending.
Hamilton briefly held the lead at the start and battled wheel to wheel with Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc in what he described as one of the most enjoyable races of his career. The cars even made brief contact during their intense fight for position, showcasing the kind of pure racing that drew Hamilton to the sport decades ago.
The podium ceremony carried extra meaning as 19-year-old Kimi Antonelli claimed his first Formula One victory in the Mercedes seat Hamilton left behind. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff called it one of the most emotional moments of his career, watching past and present generations of his team celebrate together.
Why This Inspires
Hamilton's journey with Ferrari shows that even legends face setbacks and need patience to succeed. His willingness to start over with a new team at 40 years old, endure a winless season, and keep pushing forward demonstrates the resilience that made him a champion seven times over.
His mother attended the race on British Mother's Day, adding personal significance to the breakthrough moment. Hamilton thanked the team back at Ferrari's Maranello headquarters and promised to keep pushing toward that elusive first victory with the iconic Italian team.
The current generation of Formula One cars made the racing particularly thrilling, Hamilton noted. "It felt like go-karting, back and forth, back and forth," he explained, praising how closely drivers can now follow each other without losing performance.
After a year when victory "couldn't have been further from view," Hamilton now believes his first Ferrari win is finally within reach.
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Based on reporting by Google: formula one victory
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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