Hamilton savours first Ferrari podium after thrilling duel with Leclerc

Lewis Hamilton finally unlocked his first podium as a Ferrari driver, capping a strong weekend in Shanghai with a performance that showcased both aggression and experience. A year after a turbulent Chinese Grand Prix, the Briton returned with renewed confidence, battling teammate Charles Leclerc in a gripping wheel‑to‑wheel fight before securing a top‑three finish. Hamilton even led the early laps thanks to Ferrari’s trademark rapid starts with the SF‑26. Speaking afterward, he highlighted the quality of the intra‑team duel and reserved special praise for race winner Kimi Antonelli, calling it “a privilege” to share the podium with the young Italian.

Hamilton credited Ferrari’s factory work for enabling the team to fight at the front again and said the result reflects the progress made since the season opener in Australia. For the veteran champion, the Shanghai podium marks another step in his growing comfort and momentum in red.