Hamilton opens up on ‘very challenging’ 2026 change after Chinese GP battle with Leclerc

The regulation overhaul for the current campaign saw power units shift to a 50/50 split of an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and electrical power.

As a result of increased electrical power, a boost button is at the driver's disposal, releasing energy from the battery of the power unit, helping them to attack or defend on track.

It's a huge shift in how drivers execute their racecraft compared to previous seasons, and Hamilton has pointed to vital lessons learnt out on track.

"I think in testing, actually, I didn’t really get to experience it," think in testing, actually, I didn’t really get to experience it,” the 41-year-old said to GPblog and others during Sunday's press conference in Shanghai.

The Chinese Grand Prix was a big milestone for the seven-time World Champion, as he stepped onto the podium for the first time as a Ferrari driver in a Grand Prix.

The Brit was able to do so after a dismal 2025 season saw him miss out on a Grand Prix podium for the first time in his then 19-year career in the pinnacle of motorsport.

Now, in his 20th season in F1, Hamilton has rediscovered the pace that seemed to be lost, and team principal Fred Vasseur believes he is "getting better and better".