Lewis Hamilton's Stunning Victory in First Ferrari Grand Prix Marks Significant Progress!

Motorsport photo Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton said the Chinese Grand Prix was 'one of the most enjoyable F1 races ever' as he snared his first grand prix podium for the Scuderia. Hamilton won China's sprint race from pole last year, but that was a rare highlight in a tough debut campaign as he struggled to gel with his scarlet machinery. But following a short winter to recharge his batteries, the seven-time world champion looks revitalised as he has found F1's new-for-2026 cars much more to his liking, qualifying ahead of team-mate Charles Leclerc in China before going on to take his first proper grand prix podium for the Maranello squad.

Lewis Hamilton congratulates his Mercedes successor Kimi Antonelli on his maiden grand prix win. Lewis Hamilton congratulates his Mercedes successor Kimi Antonelli on his maiden grand prix win. After battling Leclerc and both Mercedes cars wheel-to-wheel for the majority of the race, Hamilton claimed the Chinese Grand Prix had been one of the most entertaining races he has been a part of, while also saluting his Mercedes successor Kimi Antonelli .

"Well, firstly I have to say a huge congratulations to Kimi. I'm so so happy for you, buddy, and I'm so honoured to be able to share this moment with him," Hamilton said. "He took my seat obviously at this great team, so big congratulations to Mercedes.

"We've got a lot of work to do to try and keep up but I had so much fun. It's one of the most enjoyable races that I've had in a long, 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, great wheel-to-wheel battle, very fair and just what we want.