Lewis Hamilton admitted finishing on the podium as a Ferrari driver had proved to be his “biggest challenge” after he finally ended the wait in the Chinese Grand Prix.
In his 26th race for F1’s most-famous team after joining them at the start of last year, Hamilton achieved a record-extending 203rd podium finish of his career – but a first since the Las Vegas Grand Prix in November 2024, when he was still a Mercedes driver.
In Sunday’s Shanghai race, Hamilton underlined Ferrari’s new prowess at starts by surging into the lead from third on the grid. He was swiftly overtaken by Kimi Antonelli, who went on to take victory, and eventually George Russell too but won impressively out in a battle for third with team-mate Charles Leclerc after several close wheel-to-wheel duels.
“I’ve been pushing for a podium,” said Hamilton, who had matched his hitherto-best Ferrari finish of fourth at last week’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
“It’s the hardest thing just to get a podium compared to a lot through my career and it was the biggest challenge to get that, and I just had to bide my time.
“I think coming into the season I really cultivated that really positive mental attitude and I’m taking that forward with me.”
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari united the sport’s most successful driver with its most successful team but his debut year in red proved to be a struggle, with the Italian outfit also underwhelming with their car on track and finishing fourth in the standings.
But Ferrari have started F1’s new era of rules strongly and proved to be Mercedes’ closest challengers in the opening two rounds, with the 41-year-old Hamilton also appearing rejuvenated.
“I started this voyage and this dream of moving to Ferrari and being on the top step with them, and this podium has taken longer than I had hoped,” said the seven-time world champion.
“After a difficult year last year, to be able to be a part of developing with them, working with them over the past year, gives me huge pride and it’s such a privilege to be a part of this brand.
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Kimi Antonelli, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton watch back the key moments from the Chinese GP in the cool-down room.
“They provided us a really solid car. As George [Russell] was saying, we’ve got a great package, particularly through corners, just got to step it up to be able to keep up with them on the straights.
“But yeah, it’s a very special day, and especially as it’s, I guess, Mother’s Day. My mum’s here, and yeah, it’s been an awesome week.”
With his career-worst 16-month podium drought now over, Hamilton was also asked in the post-race press conference whether he felt a first victory with Ferrari in a Grand Prix was close.
He replied: “I definitely feel that I could say that it’s more in sight than ever before. Last year it couldn’t have been further from view.
“But I think as you’ve seen, these [Mercedes] guys in qualifying – somehow we were a little bit closer in qualifying yesterday – but in the race trim I think they’ve got four or five tenths on us at the moment.
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Lewis Hamilton leads as Isack Hadjar spins off in a thrilling start to the Chinese GP.
“That’s a huge step to pick up, both in downforce and efficiency and also power. That’s a huge upgrade that we need to push for. But 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.”
More to follow…
Formula 1 next heads to the iconic Suzuka Circuit for the Japanese Grand Prix on March 27-29 live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: skynews.com
