A Significant Milestone in Shanghai

Following a challenging start to his tenure with the Scuderia, Lewis Hamilton has declared that he is finally back to his best performance levels. The seven-time world champion secured his first podium finish with Ferrari at the Chinese Grand Prix, marking a pivotal moment in his 2025 campaign.

At the Shanghai International Circuit, Hamilton demonstrated renewed confidence by outqualifying teammate Charles Leclerc in both sessions and prevailing in their intense on-track battle. This result saw the British driver claim third place, finishing behind the dominant Mercedes pair.

Reflecting on the achievement, Hamilton remarked: «I started this voyage and this dream of moving to Ferrari and being on the top step with them, and this podium has taken longer than I had hoped. After a difficult year last year, to be able to be a part of developing with them... gives me huge pride and it’s such a privilege to be a part of this brand.»


Physical and Mental Recovery

When asked if he believes he has regained his peak form after a testing inaugural season with the team, the 41-year-old was unequivocal: «I definitely feel like I’m back to my best, both mentally and physically, yes.»

However, Hamilton maintains that there is still significant «room to improve.» This process of refinement is fueled by several factors:

  • Intense Preparation: Hamilton noted that his winter training regimen was the most rigorous of his career to date.
  • Technical Adaptation: He is currently working with a new race engineer, Carlo Santi, as part of an effort to optimize his communication and setup preferences.
  • Vehicle Development: Unlike last year, when he arrived late to the project, Hamilton has played an active role in shaping the current car's characteristics.

The Path Forward with Ferrari

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur believes that Hamilton’s current trajectory is a natural consequence of deeper integration within the squad. Vasseur noted that being part of the project from its inception has made a substantial difference.

«I think it's always much easier the second [season], because you are part of the project from the beginning,» Vasseur explained. «He knows also a little bit more everybody, the relationship is getting better and better, it's easier for him to deal with people and to work with everybody.»

As the season progresses, both driver and team are focused on making the marginal gains necessary to bridge the performance gap to the frontrunners.