Hamilton hails Chinese GP as one of his most enjoyable races after first Ferrari podium

Lewis Hamilton described the Chinese Grand Prix as "one of the most enjoyable F1 races ever" after securing his first grand prix podium for Ferrari, marking a significant milestone in his early tenure with the Scuderia.

A revitalised Hamilton in new machinery

Following a short winter break to reset, Hamilton has returned looking rejuvenated. Crucially, he appears far more at ease with Formula 1’s new-for-2026 cars, a shift that has translated into tangible performance on track.

In China, he outqualified team-mate Charles Leclerc and converted that momentum into his first full grand prix podium with the Maranello squad. It was not a straightforward race, however. Hamilton spent much of it locked in intense, wheel-to-wheel combat with Leclerc and both Mercedes drivers, in a contest that showcased both aggression and restraint.

After the race, Hamilton was quick to acknowledge another headline story — the maiden grand prix win of his Mercedes successor, Kimi Antonelli.

"Well, firstly I have to say a huge congratulations to Kimi. I'm so so happy for you, buddy, and I'm so honoured to be able to share this moment with him," Hamilton said. "He took my seat obviously at this great team, so big congratulations to Mercedes."

"That’s what it's about": wheel-to-wheel until the end

Beyond the podium, it was the quality of the racing that left the strongest impression on Hamilton.

"We've got a lot of work to do to try and keep up but I had so much fun. It's one of the most enjoyable races that I've had in a long, long time, if ever," he said. "The fact that the cars are the way they are this year and that battle with Charles at the end was awesome, great wheel-to-wheel battle, very fair and just what we want."

The pair even made minor contact during their late-race fight.

"I think there was one moment we did touch, but it was just a kiss so it's okay. But that's what it's about. It's about tough racing."

Hamilton briefly surged into the lead at the start, Ferrari’s typically strong getaway once again proving decisive off the line. But as the race developed, Mercedes’ underlying pace advantage became increasingly clear.

In pushing hard to stay in contention, the Ferraris extracted too much from their tyres during their battle with Mercedes — a trade-off that ultimately limited their ability to sustain the challenge deep into the race.

"They're really pulling ahead at the moment," Hamilton admitted. "I've got to say a huge thank you to everyone at Ferrari, everyone back at Maranello for getting us into this position. I know it's not exactly where we want to be. We want to be up front where these guys are, but we've got a great platform to work off and we've just got to go literally full gas."

For Hamilton and Ferrari, the Chinese Grand Prix may not have delivered victory — but it delivered something arguably just as important: momentum, belief, and proof that the partnership is beginning to click.