Hamilton's Chinese GP 'one of the most enjoyable races' after Ferrari intra-team battle

Lewis Hamilton claims the Chinese Grand Prix "was one of the most enjoyable races I’ve had" after a thrilling intra-team battle with Charles Leclerc, before claiming his first Grand Prix podium since joining Ferrari.

The seven-time World Champion put in a strong performance over the weekend at the Shanghai International Circuit, which was the venue for Hamilton's only appearance on a rostrum in 2025 after victory in the China Sprint.

Having finished third in Saturday's 19-lap Sprint, the Briton surged into the lead of the 56-lap Grand Prix from P3 on the grid having driven around the outside of polesitter, Kimi Antonelli.

After conceding the position on the next lap, Hamilton's main focus then centred on beating team mate Leclerc, the pair battling throughout the race with several wheel-to-wheel moments in a frenetic contest.

Hamilton ultimately came out on top, finishing third behind the second Mercedes of George Russell.

"It was one of the most enjoyable races I’ve had in a long, long time, if ever, the fact that the cars are the way they are this year," said Hamilton. "And that battle with Charles at the end was awesome – great wheel-to-wheel battle, very fair and just what we want.

"I think there was one moment where we did touch but it was subtle, just a kiss, so it’s okay. But this is what it’s about – it’s about tough racing, and I’ve got to say a huge thank you to everyone at Ferrari, everyone back at Maranello for getting us into this position.

"I know it’s not exactly where we want to be – we want to be up front where these guys [Mercedes] are, but we’ve got a great platform to work off and we’ve just got to [go] literally full gas."

Hamilton was also quick to praise new race winner Antonelli, the Italian teenager having been brought into Mercedes to fill Hamilton's seat after the Briton left at the end of 2024.

"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," he said.

"He took my seat at this great team, so big congratulations to Mercedes – they’re really pulling ahead at the moment, and we’ve got a lot of work to do to keep up."