Lewis Hamilton 'honoured' to share first Ferrari podium with Mercedes' Antonelli
Photo: Race Pictures
10:26, 15 Mar
Updated: 10:28, 15 Mar
7 Comments
Lewis Hamilton has reacted to scoring his first Ferrari podium in China after a thrilling race with Mercedes in the opening stages, and an epic battle with teammate Charles Leclerc.
Hamilton's podium comes after 26 races with the Scuderia, a record for the longest streak without a top three Grand Prix finish.
The seven-time world champion was delighted to share the moment with former team Mercedes, stepping on the steps with first-ever race winner Kimi Antonelli, George Russell, and his former race engineer Peter 'Bono' Bonnington.
'One of my most enjoyable races' says Hamilton
Photo: Race Pictures
Speaking to F1 TV post-race, Hamilton said: "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.
"He took my seat at this great team, so a big congratulations to Mercedes. They’re really pulling ahead at the moment, and we’ve got a lot of work to do to try to keep up."
Hamilton's attention turned to his battle with Ferrari teammate Leclerc, as the pair exchanged the final podium spot several times during the race, even making slight contact at one stage.
"I had so much fun. We had a great start. I wasn’t able to keep these guys behind, but to stay in the fight, it was 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… that battle with Charles at the end was awesome. Great wheel-to-wheel battle, very fair, and just what we want. We’ve got to keep pushing.
"I think there was one moment we did touch but it was subtle, just a kiss, so it’s ok. But that’s what it’s about, it’s about tough racing.
"I’ve got to say a huge thank you to everyone at Ferrari 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 are. But we’ve got a great platform to work off and we’ve just got to go full gas."
Mercedes extend Constructors' standings lead, as McLaren suffer massive blow
It was a perfect day for Mercedes, as they extend their lead in the Constructors' standings, but McLaren had an absolute nightmare with a double DNS for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Read here for the updated Constructors' standings.
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