Oliver Bearman celebrates Lewis Hamilton’s first Ferrari podium in unheard Chinese Grand Prix radio

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Lewis Hamilton’s first Ferrari podium was a popular result within Formula 1, as demonstrated by Oliver Bearman’s radio after the race. Hamilton failed to finish in the top three in any of his first 25 races, the longest such run in Ferrari history.

Hamilton dominated Formula 1 between 2014 and 2020, winning six world championships in seven seasons, but his miserable first season reduced him to underdog status. His morale sank so low last year that he even called himself ‘useless’ and suggested that Ferrari should sign a replacement.

But Hamilton looks revitalised following the winter rule changes and had already matched his best qualifying and race result of 2025 before finally cracking the top three on Sunday. Having led early on and fallen as low as fourth, he eventually prevailed in a thrilling battle with teammate Charles Leclerc.

Oliver Bearman commends Lewis Hamilton on Ferrari milestone

Another star of Sunday’s race was Bearman, who produced one of the best results of his young career in P5 for Haas. Bearman was helped by the absence of the two McLarens, who were due to start on the third row, but he has competed at the head of the midfield since the season started.

Ironically, Hamilton’s resurgence could hurt Bearman, who is part of the Ferrari driver academy. The 20-year-old is effectively waiting for the veteran to leave, voluntarily or otherwise, so he can make his dream move.

If Hamilton maintains the form he has shown in the first two rounds, though, it seems almost certain that he will stay with the Scuderia for at least one more year, completing his initial contract.

What does Oliver Bearman need to do to become a Ferrari driver in 2027?

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But Bearman was pleased to learn from Haas engineer Ronan O’Hara after the chequered flag that Hamilton had achieved a milestone result.

“Nice!” he said. “First Ferrari podium for Hamilton, that’s cool.”

Charles Leclerc praises ‘very fast’ Lewis Hamilton

Leclerc comfortably saw off Hamilton last season, beating him in 18 of the 21 races that both drivers finished. This year, it looks as if a genuine rivalry could develop between the two drivers.

Leclerc was unhappy with Hamilton when they battled in Saturday’s Sprint, but he described their Grand Prix tussle as ‘fun’ even while it was still ongoing.

In another radio message, which wasn’t broadcast, Leclerc praised Hamilton’s pace after he got ahead for good. Bryan Bozzi was keeping the Monegasque apprised of his teammate’s lap times.

After being told he was three-tenths slower than Hamilton, Leclerc replied: “Yep, he is very fast at the moment.”

Hamilton was joined on the podium by Kimi Antonelli, George Russell and Peter Bonnington – his replacement, his former teammate and his ex-engineer. Unsurprisingly, Toto Wolff called it one of the ‘best moments’ he has experienced during his time in F1.