Lewis Hamilton’s first podium finish with Ferrari: “It’s a dream”

Finishing third in the Chinese Grand Prix behind the Mercedes one-two, Lewis Hamilton secured his first podium finish with Ferrari. After an excellent start and a fierce battle with Charles Leclerc, the Briton is relishing an encouraging result, even if the Scuderia still lags a step behind the Mercedes.

Just like at the Australian Grand Prix, Ferrari got off to a perfect start in Shanghai. When the lights went out, Lewis Hamilton was the quickest off the line and immediately took the lead before the first corner.

The race then quickly settled into a Mercedes-dominated pattern, with Kimi Antonelli taking the lead in the opening laps. But Hamilton remained firmly in contention, particularly after the restart following the safety car.

The Briton was long at the center of the fight for the podium, locked in an intense battle with his teammate Charles Leclerc. The two Ferraris engaged in several wheel-to-wheel duels, without ever crossing the line.

In the end, Hamilton held on to secure third place behind the Mercedes one-two.

“A battle just the way we like it”

On the podium, the seven-time world champion didn't hide his delight after this exciting race. “Huge congratulations to Kimi, I'm so happy for him and to share this moment. He took my seat at Mercedes, so congratulations to them.”

Hamilton particularly enjoyed his duel with Leclerc. “I really enjoyed it. I got off to a great start and was able to battle with Charles. It was incredible, wheel-to-wheel.”

A fierce but clean battle. “It was very fair. I think there was a slight contact at one point, but that's the kind of hard-fought race we love.”

Despite this podium finish, the Brit remains realistic about the current pecking order. “It's not exactly where we'd like to be. We'd like to be up front, but we have an excellent foundation to build on.”

“We still have work to do”

No sooner had the race ended than Hamilton was already sending a clear message to his team from the cockpit. “We've got our work cut out for us; we need to keep pushing, but I believe in you. Forza Ferrari.”

The Scuderia does indeed seem to be a step behind Mercedes, particularly in terms of top speed.

An observation the Briton also confirmed after the race. Ferrari, however, didn't have the tools to catch the Mercedes. “I would have liked to keep up with them, but we're a step behind them, particularly on the straights,” he later told Canal+.

A podium filled with emotion

Beyond the sporting result, this podium also had a personal significance for Hamilton. “To have my first podium here for Ferrari in front of my mom, on Mother's Day, in China, is a dream.”

Driving for the Scuderia remains a special milestone in his career. “Driving for Ferrari has been a lifelong dream. (This podium) is the first step, and it's very special to me.”

Finishing third in Shanghai, Lewis Hamilton thus delivers valuable points to Ferrari… while reminding everyone that the real goal lies elsewhere: to come back and fight for the win.