Hamilton Opens Up On Race Prep In Lead Up To First Podium With Ferrari: 'Like Studying For A Test Everyday'!

Last Updated:March 15, 2026, 18:19 IST

Hamilton opened up on the diligent work that goes on behind closed doors ahead of the events and likened it to preparing for a test.

Lewis Hamilton ended a long wait for a podium finish with Italian manufacturer Ferrari by securing third place at the Chinese Grand Prix, trailing behind Mercedes stars Kimi Antonelli and George Russell. After a challenging season last time around, seven-time F1 champion Hamilton celebrated his first podium in the iconic Prancing Horse colours with great enthusiasm.

Following the race, Hamilton opened up on the diligent work that goes on behind closed doors ahead of the events and likened it to preparing for a test.

“Honestly, last night was the first time in 20 years that I took my mum through everything I go through and she was gobsmacked! I wish the world could see the work that goes on in the background, the amount of studying, honestly it’s like studying for a test everyday, I’ve never really been good at tests, but fortunately I’m good at driving."

“I learnt a lot in the main race in Australia, brought it into this race, still some improvements to be made. But my race pace has been really good, particularly on the hard tyre, in these first two races," he explained.

“In the medium I’ve got to see how I can have more potential, and in that mid stint there was something not quite right. I was in second and I lost the ground, fell to 4th, to fight back and get to 3rd was a hell of a push."

“Massive big thank you to Ferrari. It’s my first podium with them so it’s a huge moment for me," the Brit concluded.

Antonelli clinched the title at the Chinese Grand Prix, having secured pole position the previous day. The Italian became just the second driver, after four-time champion Max Verstappen, to win a race as a teenager.

Antonelli achieved this at 19 years and 202 days old, following in the footsteps of Verstappen, who won in Spain in 2016 at 18 years of age.

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