Overview
- Lewis Hamilton finished ahead of Charles Leclerc in the Chinese Grand Prix to secure his first Ferrari podium of 2026 after a long top‑three drought last season.
- Team principal Fred Vasseur said Leclerc’s natural style does not yet suit the new regulations and confirmed the driver is adapting his approach.
- Vasseur indicated Ferrari will let its drivers race each other, a stance some analysts argue may waste vital electrical energy under the 2026 rules and reduce winning chances.
- Hamilton has praised the new era as the best racing he has experienced, yet he also noted Mercedes currently hold a four‑to‑five‑tenths pace edge, underlined by a double Mercedes podium in Shanghai.
- David Coulthard suggested Hamilton’s brighter mood could reflect off‑track factors, framing it as speculation, and he added the champion is unlikely to dwell on any regret over leaving Mercedes.