F1 | Hamilton and the joy of a podium finish at Ferrari: "I received immense support in Maranello."

Il Chinese Grand Prix 2026 will be remembered by the fans of the Classic Ferrari for sale for a third place that has the taste of liberation. Lewis Hamilton After a 2025 spent in the shadows of a lack of competitiveness, he finally stepped onto the podium wearing the Scuderia Maranello suit. A result that is not just a statistical number, but the culmination of a long and complex adaptation to a technical and human reality profoundly different from the one he experienced for over a decade in Mercedes.

The seven-time world champion crossed the finish line in Shanghai behind Kimi Antonelli, his first career win, and George Russell. An almost surreal coincidence of colors and emotions: Hamilton found himself on the podium with his heir at Mercedes, his former teammate, and Peter Bonnington, his race engineer at Brackley and now Kimi's faithful companion. Despite the long collection of trophies adorning his cabinet, the Briton admitted that this finish required unprecedented physical and mental effort: "To achieve this top-three finish, I had to sweat like I've never done in my career. It was a very long and tiring pursuit, a constant effort to regain the necessary feeling with the car."

A pilot at the centre of the technical project

Unlike his first season at Ferrari, where his relationship with the car's development never really clicked, for all the reasons we know, Hamilton has regained a central role in operations that seems to have restored his former glory. The transition to the new 2026 regulations, characterized by challenges regarding electrical energy management and the critical issues of "clipping" (the reduction in power at the end of the straight), also required his input.

Hamilton didn't just drive, he became a regular visitor to the factory, trying to direct the engineers towards solutions that could mitigate the early flaws of the new Ferrari power unit.

“We are closely following the evolution of our technical package – Lewis saidJust last week I was in Maranello: it's essential to be able to visit the various departments and talk directly with the people who work there. On those occasions I can clearly explain the areas where I encounter the greatest driving difficulties and ask if it would be possible to concentrate more resources there."

"This is exactly what we need to make a qualitative leap. Last season, I didn't see the point in scheduling certain technical meetings, as we were focused on a car that offered no room for maneuver. This year, however, we've fully planned and we've finally managed to establish a clear path for growth."

The emotion of Shanghai and the warmth of family

The Chinese round was also special for reasons beyond the track. Lewis wanted his mother, Carmen, by his side, making the weekend a family affair in a country that has always revered him as an icon. If his victory in the Sprint race in 2025 had provided an initial positive sign, but ultimately proved to be a mere drop in the bucket, this podium represents the first truly significant step in his journey in red.

“The victory in last year's Sprint race was incredible, especially with my father present at the circuit – said Lewis. But bringing my mother here to China and experiencing this wonderful week with her, and then topping it all off with my first podium in red on Sunday, made the whole experience incredibly special. I've been chasing this moment for a long time and never imagined I'd have to work so hard for just a top-three finish."

“I feel immense gratitude; to be honest, it almost felt like I'd won for the first time, even though I've been fortunate enough to achieve many victories in the past. Standing on that red-clad podium was magical, especially with Bono, George, and Kimi in attendance, celebrating his first win. It was a moment of rare emotional intensity.”

Looking beyond Suzuka: the strength of the group

Hamilton's journey hasn't been without its obstacles. The following weekend in Suzuka was disappointing, with Ferrari struggling to recharge at the top end compared to Mercedes and, to some extent, McLaren. Furthermore, the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix created a gap in the calendar that could jeopardize the learning curve, but is absolutely necessary to revise the technical regulations, which were born under an unfortunate star.

Yet, it was precisely through the difficulties that Hamilton discovered the human side of the Gestione Sportiva. The support he received from the mechanics and track engineers, even after his most lackluster performances, was the fuel that allowed him not to give up during the winter months.

“The team has been exceptional throughout the last year, especially inside the garage, where I received immense support. At the end of every weekend last season, I felt empty, almost guilty for not having repaid their efforts with results, but they continued to be positive and encouraging, telling me that our chance would come next time. Seeing the joy in their eyes for this third-place finish and understanding how happy they were to have been part of this achievement filled my heart. This positivity is contagious and pushes me to work even harder. I want to give my all to continue building this project together with the team.”