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Despite his best outing since joining Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton believes the team must address some key concerns soon.
Hamilton managed to secure his first podium finish since joining Ferrari, ending the race behind winner Kimi Antonelli and runner-up George Russell.
Hamilton paid tribute to Antonelli for his win, but several fans were equally excited to see the seven-time world champion back on the podium.
A maiden Grand Prix win for Kimi Antonelli, as well as a first podium appearance for Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari! 🍾
What was your favourite moment of Antonelli's debut win?
Hamilton’s intense battle with Leclerc was the undoubted highlight of the race, as he brought a level of sharpness we had not seen from him in years.
And while Leclerc believes the battle is a positive for Ferrari, there are still some concerns with the car that Lewis Hamilton wants addressed as soon as possible.
READ MORE: Toto Wolff admits Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes drivers sharing China podium is a career highlight
Lewis Hamilton says podium finish needed a ‘hell of a push’
Lewis Hamilton spoke after the Chinese Grand Prix about his experience en route to his first podium with Ferrari.
While he was thrilled with how the team managed the race, Hamilton referenced his struggles in the middle of the race as he fell behind George Russell and Charles Leclerc and pain points that must be addressed in time.
“But yeah, we learned a lot in the main race and brought it into this race. Still some improvements to be made, but my race pace has been really good – particularly on the hard tyres in these first two races.”
“On the medium, I’ve got to see how I can have more potential, and also in that mid-stint, there’s something not quite right when I’m in second, and I lost the ground and fell to fourth. To fight back and get to third was a hell of a push.”
“Just a massive big thank you to Ferrari, this is my first podium with them, so it’s a huge moment for me.”
READ MORE: Resurgent Lewis Hamilton is now ‘changing the whole picture’ for Oliver Bearman’s Ferrari future
Some sensational performances in Shanghai 🔥 Who is your pick for Driver of the Day at the Chinese Grand Prix?
Lewis Hamilton admits his mother was shocked at his preparation for Chinese GP
Lewis Hamilton also spoke about bringing his mother to the race and how she was shocked by the amount of work he needed to do to get ready for the race.
“Honestly, last night was the first time in the 20-odd years I’ve been racing that I sat and took my mum through everything I go through.”
“She was gobsmacked. I wish the world could see the work that goes on. It’s like studying for a test every day, and I’ve never really been good at tests, but fortunately, I’m good at driving.”
His mother will be thrilled to see the hard work pay off, as Hamilton looked resurgent in the Ferrari, returning to the form we became so used to during his peak.
Hamilton looks to have the edge over Leclerc, but both drivers being in good form to start the season bodes well for Ferrari as they look to compete with Mercedes this season.
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