Lewis Hamilton describes the Chinese Grand Prix as ‘one of the most enjoyable races’ of his career.
Lewis Hamilton expressed that his contest for a podium finish at the Chinese Grand Prix was among the most pleasurable races of his career after emerging victorious in a close contest for third place against Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc.
This outcome marked Hamilton’s inaugural grand prix podium with Ferrari and places him just one point behind Leclerc in the drivers’ championship standings.
The seven-time world champion initially took the lead at the start of the race but was unable to fend off the two Mercedes drivers, Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, throughout the race.
Hamilton was involved in an extended battle with Leclerc for second position from laps 24 to 27 before both were overtaken by Russell, but he reclaimed third place when Leclerc made a mistake on lap 36.
Another skirmish between the Ferrari teammates occurred on laps 39 and 40, during which the two seemed to make contact, but Hamilton ultimately prevailed.
“I had so much fun,” Hamilton remarked. “We had a fantastic start. I couldn’t keep these guys [Mercedes] behind.
“But remaining in the fight made this one of the most enjoyable races I’ve experienced in a long time, if not ever.”
The contest was significantly influenced by how the two drivers managed their battery power throughout the lap, making it increasingly challenging for either to pull away from the other.
The heightened focus on managing electrical energy is central to F1’s new regulations for 2026, and Hamilton noted its importance in facilitating competitive racing.
“The way the cars are this year made the battle with Charles at the end fantastic. It was a great wheel-to-wheel contest.
“Very fair and exactly what we desire. We must continue to push.”
Hamilton acknowledged that there was contact with Leclerc but maintained that the racing was fair.
“I believe there was one moment we did touch, but it was minor,” he added. “Just a light contact, so it’s fine. But, you know, this is what racing is about.
“It’s about competitive racing. And I must extend a huge thank you to everyone at Ferrari, everyone back in Maranello for getting us into this position. I understand it’s not precisely where we want to be.
“We aim to be at the front, but we have a solid foundation to build upon. And we just need to go full throttle.”
Hamilton also congratulated Antonelli, who took over the seven-time champion’s seat at Mercedes last year, after the Italian secured the first victory of his career on Sunday.
“I have to extend a huge congratulations to Kimi — I’m so, so happy for you, buddy,” he said while standing next to the Mercedes driver.
“And I’m truly honored to share this moment with him. You know, he took my seat, obviously, at this great team. So, big congratulations to Mercedes.
“They’re really gaining an advantage at the moment. We have a lot of work ahead to try and keep pace.”
Source: espn.com
