Lewis Hamilton hails ‘one of the most enjoyable races ever’ as F1 icon finally ends wait for podium

Lewis Hamilton finally has his smile back.

The Formula One icon took to the podium for the first time as a Ferrari driver at the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday morning.

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Hamilton went through a nightmare first season with the Italian team, failing to finish in the top three throughout the whole year.

However, it’s only taken two races to get over that drought this campaign, finishing third in Shanghai behind George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, who picked up his first-ever Grand Prix win.

The Englishman, who led the race at the first corner after a lightning-fast start, couldn’t keep up with the Mercedes cars.

But he managed to stay ahead of his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc after an incredible battle to take a podium place.

And it was a long, long time coming for the seven-time world champion, as he finally got a top-three finish over the line.

His last podium finish came in Las Vegas in November 2024.

Hamilton, in his 26th race for Ferrari, managed to break his duck in China – and he spoke very positively about it post-race.

He told Sky Sports: “I had so much fun, we had a great start…it was one of the most enjoyable races I’ve had in a long time, if ever.

“The fact that the cars are the way they are this year and that battle with Charles at the end was awesome. A great wheel-to-wheel battle and very fair and just what we want.”

“It’s such a special day, it’s been one of the most amazing weeks I’ve had,” Hamilton then added in the media area.

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“To travel around with my mum and have these special moments together, for her to see the support I get here in Shanghai.

“A big, huge congratulations to Kimi, it’s a real privilege to come and take my place and get to work with an amazing team.

“To be up there with Kimi and Bono was really sweet…and on top of that to be here with my mum on Mother’s Day.”

He continued: “Honestly, last night was the first time in 20 years that I’ve been racing that I took my mum through what I go through before a race.

“It’s like studying for a test before every race…I learned a lot in the last race and brought it into this race.

“A big thank you to Ferrari, my first podium with them, it’s a huge moment for me.”

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‘An important step’

Ferrari’s team principal, Frederic Vasseur, also spoke about just how crucial Hamilton’s first podium for the team could be.

Vasseur told Sky Sports: “I think it’s an important step, the first one. It’s important and I’m sure it will help us to come back.

“The target is Mercedes,” he added. “We’re still behind the Mercedes…

“We are working on not only the power unit…we are working everywhere.”

Hamilton and co. will now head to Japan for the next Grand Prix, with the weekend’s action getting going on Friday, March 27.

Then there will be an unexpected break in the F1 calendar after the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

The next race after that will be in Miami on Sunday, May 3.