Lewis Hamilton finally returned to the Formula 1 podium and highlighted Ferrari’s decisive role in this result. The Briton ended a long drought by taking third place in the Chinese GP, describing the moment as especially significant.
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The result marked the seven-time champion’s first podium with the Italian team since his arrival, following a difficult debut season in 2025. According to Hamilton, the support received within Ferrari was fundamental for the performance recovery in 2026.
Hamilton left Mercedes at the end of 2024 and made his debut for Ferrari in 2025, but the first season was marked by difficulties. For the first time in his Formula 1 career, the Briton finished a year without standing on the podium in a GP, something that increased the pressure for results.
By 2026, with regulation changes, the scenario began to change. The 41-year-old driver achieved his first podium with Ferrari at the Shanghai International Circuit, ending the period without significant results and starting a more positive phase.
The moment also had a special meaning for Hamilton for sharing the podium with important names from his career. The Briton was alongside his former teammate, George Russell, the young Kimi Antonelli, who achieved his first victory, and also his former race engineer, Peter Bonnington, all three from Mercedes.
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“I had been trying to get to this podium for a long time, and I never had to work so hard just to get a podium,” Hamilton told Formula1.com. “I was very, very grateful, and it felt like the first one, even though I’ve already had a few. It felt even more special to be in a red suit, but also to be there with Bono, Kimi with his first win, and George, it was very nostalgic,” he added.
The Briton also highlighted the support received from the Italian team over the last year, even when results were not appearing. According to him, Ferrari’s stance was essential to maintain motivation during difficult moments.
“The team has been incredible over the last year, particularly in the garage, and the support has been immense. Last year, every weekend fell short, and I would come back feeling devastated, feeling bad for not being able to deliver for the team, but they were always saying: ‘Next time, next time’,” concluded the seven-time champion.
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