Lewis Hamilton Shows Resurgence with Ferrari, Podium Finish at China GP a Turning Point

Lewis Hamilton exudes confidence after securing his first podium finish with Ferrari at the China Grand Prix, Sunday (15/3/2026).

The British driver claimed he's back to his best form, both mentally and physically, after a promising start to the season with the Italian-based team.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton endured a difficult debut season with Ferrari last year, with pole position in the sprint race and a win in China being his only positives amidst a disappointing campaign.

However, Hamilton looks more competitive this season, winning the opening round in Australia ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc, before securing his first podium with Ferrari in Shanghai.

The podium finish marked Hamilton's 203rd in his two-decade-long Formula 1 career.

“I feel like I’m really back to my best, both mentally and physically,” Hamilton told Crash. “I still think there is room for improvement.”

Hamilton revealed that the intense preseason preparation played a significant role in his improved form.

“It was the hardest and most intense winter training I have ever done. Maybe just because of the age, it takes longer to recover. But I managed to use a new method of training,” he explained.

Hamilton also highlighted the importance of collaboration with Ferrari's technical team, including new engineers he's working with this season.

He praised the intense communication with the Maranello team, saying it helped build trust and a clear direction for the car's development.

“In the middle to the end of last year, I had long discussions with the engineers about what I wanted from the car. It's nice to see them really listening and incorporating some of the things that I wanted,” Hamilton said.

He believed being involved in the car's development process made him feel more connected to the team.

“It makes you feel more connected to everyone because we're all moving in the same direction,” Hamilton emphasized.

Although securing the podium was a welcome achievement, Hamilton admitted it came later than he expected. Last season was the first time he failed to secure a podium finish throughout the season.

“I've been trying hard to get back to the podium. Getting the podium was one of the biggest challenges for me,” Hamilton said.

He emphasized that patience and maintaining a positive mindset are crucial to remain competitive throughout the season.

“I started this season with the same level of confidence as I did last year and tried to maintain it,” he explained.

Hamilton also believed Ferrari has a good chance of winning, given the improvements in the car's performance so far this season.

“I genuinely feel like the win is closer than it was last year. Last year it didn't feel like it,” he said.

However, he acknowledged that Ferrari still needs significant improvement, particularly in terms of closing the gap with Mercedes in terms of engine performance.

“In racing conditions, they're still four to five tenths of a second ahead of us. That's a pretty big gap to close, in terms of downforce, efficiency, and engine power,” Hamilton noted.

Despite the challenges, Hamilton remains optimistic that Ferrari can bridge the gap with its competitors.

“I'm very confident in everyone at Maranello. This is not something that's impossible to overcome. Forza Ferrari, we just need to keep fighting,” Hamilton said.

PT RADIO FISKARIA JAYA SUARA SURABAYA, Suara Surabaya Media www.suarasurabaya.net is a news portal established in 1999, part of Suara Surabaya Media which was born on 11 June 1983