Chinese GP
Lewis Hamilton Calls Chinese Grand Prix One of the Most Enjoyable Races of His Career
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton described the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix as one of the most enjoyable races of his career after securing third place following an intense on-track battle with his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc.
The podium marked Hamilton’s first top-three finish with Ferrari since joining the Italian team, and it placed him just one point behind Leclerc in the Formula 1 drivers’ championship standings.
Hamilton said the competitive duel with his teammate and the race’s strategic complexity made it one of the most exciting experiences he has had in years.
Early Lead and Mercedes Challenge
Hamilton started strongly in Shanghai, briefly taking the race lead at the start. However, the pace of the Mercedes cars proved difficult to match over the full race distance.
Mercedes drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell gradually moved ahead, leaving Hamilton battling to stay within podium contention.
Despite losing the lead, the British driver remained competitive throughout the race and stayed within striking distance of the front-runners.
Antonelli ultimately claimed his first Formula 1 victory, while Russell secured second place, completing a strong result for Mercedes.
Intense Battle Between Ferrari Teammates
Much of the race’s excitement came from a dramatic multi-lap battle between Hamilton and Leclerc.
From laps 24 to 27, the Ferrari teammates fought for position while managing battery power and energy deployment — a critical element under Formula 1’s new 2026 technical regulations.
At one point, Russell passed both drivers, but Hamilton regained third position when Leclerc locked up during braking on lap 36.
Another fierce exchange followed around laps 39 and 40, where the two Ferrari drivers raced wheel-to-wheel and appeared to make light contact.
Hamilton ultimately held his position and crossed the finish line in third place.
Hamilton Praises Fair Racing
Speaking after the race, Lewis Hamilton emphasized how enjoyable the competition was despite the intense rivalry.
He said the duel with Leclerc represented the kind of clean but aggressive racing that fans want to see in Formula 1.
The veteran driver confirmed that there was minor contact between the two cars during one moment in the battle, but described it as a small touch rather than a major incident.
Hamilton also credited Ferrari’s team at Maranello for providing a strong platform that allowed him to compete for podium finishes.
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Emotional Podium Moment
The podium ceremony carried special significance for Hamilton. Alongside him were George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, both of whom are connected to his long history with Mercedes.
Antonelli, who replaced Hamilton at Mercedes, celebrated the first race win of his career, becoming one of the youngest winners in Formula 1 history.
Hamilton congratulated the young driver after the race and said he was happy to witness the next generation of talent succeeding in the sport.
He also acknowledged the challenge Ferrari faces in catching Mercedes, which appears to have a strong performance advantage early in the season.
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Ferrari Looking to Build Momentum
Although Ferrari did not win the race, Hamilton believes the team has a promising foundation for the remainder of the season.
The competitive battle between the Ferrari drivers highlighted the car’s pace and potential, even if Mercedes currently holds the edge.
Hamilton said Ferrari must continue pushing to close the gap and return to the front of the grid.
For fans, the thrilling Chinese Grand Prix delivered exactly what Formula 1 strives for — close racing, dramatic strategy, and unforgettable battles between world-class drivers.
