Lewis Hamilton says first Ferrari win ‘more in sight than ever’ after Chinese Grand Prix podium

SHANGHAI, March 15 – In a momentous weekend that sent ripples of excitement through the Formula One paddock, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton secured his first podium finish for Ferrari at the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday, declaring that a maiden victory with the Scuderia felt closer than ever before. The British maestro, a figure synonymous with unparalleled success in the sport, steered his scarlet machine to a hard-fought third place, a result that felt like a triumph far beyond the points it yielded, marking a significant milestone in his much-anticipated tenure with the Italian giants.

The 41-year-old racing legend described the Shanghai race as "possibly his most enjoyable" in recent memory, a sentiment underscored by his spirited driving and the palpable relief of standing on the rostrum once again. This podium was his first since the 2023 season, during his final years with Mercedes, and serves as a powerful testament to his enduring skill and adaptability. "I definitely feel like I’m back to my best, both mentally and physically," Hamilton asserted, radiating a renewed sense of purpose and confidence. "I still think there’s room to improve, but this is a huge step."

The narrative surrounding Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, announced with earth-shattering impact in January of last year (2024) for the 2025 season, has been one of the most compelling storylines in Formula One history. After a challenging 2024 campaign, his final year with Mercedes, which saw him endure a grand prix season without a single podium for the first time in his illustrious career – a stark contrast to his consistent success – the shift to Maranello represented a bold new chapter. The anticipation for his debut in red has been immense, carrying the hopes of the Tifosi and the weight of his legacy. This podium in China, only the second race of his Ferrari journey, instantly validates that decision and fuels belief within the team.

Reflecting on the prospects of achieving that elusive first victory in Ferrari colours, Hamilton’s optimism was palpable. "I definitely feel that I could say that it’s more in sight than ever before," he stated, his eyes alight with determination. "Last year it couldn’t have been further from view. I really do believe in everyone back in Maranello and that it’s not an impossible feat to overcome. So yeah, forza Ferrari, we’ve just got to keep pushing." His words were not just a personal declaration but a rallying cry for the entire team, echoing the historic spirit of the Prancing Horse.

The race itself, held on the challenging and sweeping Shanghai International Circuit, was a spectacle of speed, strategy, and youthful exuberance, ultimately won by the prodigious Italian talent Kimi Antonelli. The 19-year-old, who controversially took Hamilton’s coveted seat at Mercedes for the 2025 season, savoured a stunning maiden Formula One victory. Antonelli’s triumph marked a dramatic turning point in his nascent career, silencing any doubters and confirming his status as a future star. Sharing the podium with him was his seasoned former teammate, George Russell, who finished a commendable second, securing a dominant one-two finish for Mercedes. The image of the three drivers – Antonelli, Russell, and Hamilton – standing together offered a poignant snapshot of Mercedes’ past, its vibrant present, and its incredibly promising future, all playing out on the same stage.

The symbolism of the podium was not lost on Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. Overwhelmed with emotion, Wolff described the moment, particularly with Hamilton’s former race engineer and Antonelli’s current engineer, Peter Bonnington, joining the trio to collect the winning constructors’ trophy, as "one of the best moments of his life." It was a powerful vindication for Mercedes, a team that had navigated two challenging seasons in the current ground-effect era, grappling with car performance and struggling to return to their championship-winning ways. This comprehensive one-two, following a period of intense development and strategic recalibration, signified a powerful return to form for the Silver Arrows.

Hamilton, ever the sportsman, extended his congratulations to Antonelli and his former team, Mercedes, with whom he had forged an unparalleled dynasty, securing six of his seven world titles. "I had so much fun and we had a great start," he recounted of the Chinese Grand Prix. "I wasn’t able to keep these guys behind, but to stay in the fight, it was one of the most enjoyable races I’ve had in a long time, if ever." His race was characterized by a thrilling and at times feisty battle with his Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, showcasing the raw, unadulterated passion of wheel-to-wheel racing.

The Mercedes one-two in Shanghai was not an isolated success but their second consecutive clean sweep in as many grands prix, with Russell leading Antonelli home in Australia just the weekend prior. This consistent performance has propelled Russell to the top of the Drivers’ Championship standings, leading his young teammate by four points, firmly establishing Mercedes as a formidable force in the early stages of the season.

Adding a personal touch to Hamilton’s achievement, his mother was on hand to witness his first Ferrari podium, a moment made even more special as it coincided with Mother’s Day celebrations in Britain. Hamilton’s strategic prowess and keen race craft were evident throughout the Chinese Grand Prix. Having learned valuable lessons from the opening race in Melbourne, where he finished fourth, he implemented crucial adjustments. "We learned a lot in the main race (in Melbourne), brought it into this race," Hamilton revealed to Sky Sports television. "Still some improvements to be made but my race pace has been really good, particularly on the hard tyres in these first two races. To fight back and get to third was a hell of a push but just a massive big thank you to Ferrari for my first podium for them. It’s a huge moment for me."

The race itself provided ample evidence of the positive impact of the current generation of Formula One cars on racing spectacle. Hamilton’s intense scrap with Leclerc, which even saw their cars briefly touch in a thrilling display of commitment, epitomized the close-quarters action that fans crave. The Briton was effusive in his praise for the improved racing dynamics. "The cars are easier to follow, much better than past years. You can get very close. There’s not a bad wake where you’re losing too much downforce. I think it’s the best racing that I’ve ever experienced in Formula One," he declared. The revised aerodynamic regulations, introduced in 2022 with a focus on ground effect to reduce "dirty air" – the turbulent air created by a car that hinders the following car – have demonstrably achieved their goal. This allows drivers to stay closer for longer, facilitating more overtakes and wheel-to-wheel duels. "Hopefully it was an exciting race to watch for you guys because it was awesome in the car. It felt like go-karting, back and forth, back and forth, and you could really position your car in a nice way." This "go-karting" sensation, a hallmark of pure, unadulterated racing, is a ringing endorsement of the sport’s direction.

From an analytical perspective, this Chinese Grand Prix signifies a seismic shift in the F1 landscape. Mercedes’ resurgence, spearheaded by the astonishing talent of Antonelli and the steadfast consistency of Russell, positions them as strong contenders for both championships, challenging the dominance that Red Bull enjoyed in previous seasons. Antonelli’s victory, coming so early in his career, places him firmly in the pantheon of prodigious talents like Max Verstappen and Lando Norris who made immediate impacts. His calm demeanor under pressure and raw speed suggest a bright future, one that will undoubtedly be intertwined with Mercedes’ ambitions.

For Ferrari and Hamilton, the podium is more than just points; it’s a powerful psychological boost. It affirms that the car has the potential to challenge at the front and that Hamilton’s decision to join the Scuderia could indeed lead to the fairytale ending of an eighth world title. The internal battle with Charles Leclerc will be fascinating to watch, as both drivers push each other and the car to its limits. Experts suggest that Hamilton’s ability to extract performance even from a challenging car, combined with Ferrari’s historical passion and engineering prowess, could create a formidable force. As one seasoned F1 commentator noted, "Lewis bringing home a podium for Ferrari this early is a statement. He’s not just there for a farewell tour; he’s there to win. And the fact that he’s enjoying the racing so much bodes incredibly well for what’s to come."

The championship now looks set for a thrilling multi-team battle, with Mercedes demonstrating undeniable pace, Ferrari showing promising signs of progress, and Red Bull still a force to be reckoned with. The Chinese Grand Prix has not only delivered a thrilling race but has also set the stage for what promises to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable Formula One seasons in recent memory. For Lewis Hamilton, the dream of a Ferrari victory, and perhaps even that elusive eighth world championship, has never felt more tangible. The passion of "Forza Ferrari" now has a fresh, potent injection of belief.