In a complete contrast to his debut season with Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton has started the 2026 Formula 1 season on a high note.
Story of the season for Hamilton so far
With strong pace, finishing just off the podium places in Australia was a positive, but at the Chinese Grand Prix, there was real cause for celebration.
In Shanghai, after a thrilling battle with team-mate Charles Leclerc, it was the seven-time world champion that finished third behind the Mercedes drivers who took their second one-two of the season.
The podium painted an emotional picture for many reasons. One, it was Hamilton’s first Grand Prix podium as a Ferrari driver.
Second, he stood on the podium with his former Mercedes family, as Mercedes celebrated a momentous occasion, adding Andrea Kimi Antonelli to their list of winners.
A meaningful podium
Hamilton stood alongside race winner Antonelli and Mercedes driver George Russell – but it was the presence of his former race engineer Peter Bonnington that made the occasion particularly meaningful.
The seven-time world champion said the moment felt unique given his long history with Mercedes, where he worked closely with both Russell and Bonnington before his move to Ferrari in 2025.
“It’s like sitting here with my whole family,” Hamilton said to the media after the race, reflecting on a podium that blended the past and present in an emotional way.
READ MORE: F1 analysis: Winners and losers from the 2026 Chinese GP – Kimi Antonelli, McLaren, and more
A special day for Bonnington
For Bonnington, the race carried its own emotional weight.
Now working with Antonelli at Mercedes, the long-time engineer played a key role in helping the young Italian secure his first Formula 1 win.
“It was pretty good, I can’t complain. To have Lewis there with Kimi was a hell of a moment, one I will cherish,” Bonnington said, highlighting the significance of the moment both professionally and personally.
Celebrations all round
Having previously formed a successful partnership with Hamilton during multiple championship-winning campaigns, Bonnington found himself celebrating alongside his former driver once again – this time from a different perspective.
“It’s his first one and to be there up on the podium, Lewis to my left, Kimi to my right – it’s a real special moment,” he added.
Antonelli’s breakthrough victory added to the emotion of the day.
The 19-year-old became the second-youngest race winner in F1 history, underlining his potential as one of the sport’s rising stars.
READ NEXT: Chinese GP news: Kimi Antonelli claims maiden F1 win in Shanghai as Mercedes seal one-two finish
SportJustSport writers