Last Updated on April 12 2026, 9:01 pm
Hamilton: “It warmed my heart…” – The race that changed everything? – After a turbulent first season with Ferrari, Hamilton began to steady the ship in 2026. The seven-time world champion endured a frustrating debut year in red, often leaving race weekends visibly deflated after struggling to deliver consistent performances.
However, with a stronger start to the new campaign, there are clear signs that momentum and belief are returning. One race in particular has proven to be a turning point.
Shanghai breakthrough sparks belief
Relief finally came at the Chinese Grand Prix, where Hamilton secured his first podium finish for Ferrari. The third-place result may not have been a victory, but emotionally, it carried far greater weight. After months of near-misses and disappointment, it represented validation, proof that progress was being made.
Hamilton did not hide what the moment meant to him.
“The whole experience… I’d been trying to get on the podium for a long time, and I felt like I’d never had to work so hard,” he explained.
“I was very, very grateful. It felt like my first, even though I’ve been lucky enough to have quite a few already.”
The significance of standing on the podium in Ferrari red was not lost on him either. For a driver who has achieved almost everything in Formula 1, this felt like a significant milestone rather than a routine result.
“It was even more special to be in red,” he added, reflecting on a moment that seemed to reconnect him with the pure joy of racing.
MORE NEWS – Christian Horner to Audi F1 – “They need someone like him” says Montoya
A nostalgic podium moment
The Shanghai podium carried an added layer of emotion. Hamilton found himself sharing the stage with familiar faces, including his long-time race engineer, Peter Bonnington, affectionately known as ‘Bono’, as well as Kimi Antonelli, who claimed his first Formula 1 victory, and George Russell.
“It was very nostalgic,” Hamilton admitted.
The combination of old connections and new storylines created a unique atmosphere. “It really warmed my heart.” said Hamilton.
Beyond the trophy and celebrations, what impacted Hamilton most was the reaction from his team. Ferrari had stood by him throughout a challenging 2025 season, providing unwavering support even when results fell short of expectations.
MORE NEWS – F1 cars now making overtake decisions without driver input
Ferrari support for Hamilton
“Honestly, it was huge,” Hamilton said. “The team has been incredible throughout the past year, particularly in the garage. The support has been immense.”
He spoke candidly about the emotional toll of last season, describing how draining it felt to repeatedly fall short.
“Every weekend, I came back from a disappointing result feeling drained and disappointed that I wasn’t able to deliver for the team.” Yet Ferrari’s response never wavered.
“They were always there, saying, ‘Next time, next time.’ They’re always so positive and supportive.”
This collective resilience made the Shanghai podium even more meaningful.
“So, to finally get that podium and see how happy and grateful they were to be part of it… it really warmed my heart.”
“It just encourages me to keep pushing even harder, keep digging deep and keep building with the team,” he concluded.
MORE NEWS – Why McLaren could stop Mercedes running away with F1 2026
A harsh reality check in Japan
Any momentum built at the Chinese Grand Prix was quickly lost when Formula 1 arrived at the Japanese Grand Prix.
At Suzuka, Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari faced a far more challenging weekend. Following the emotional high of Shanghai, expectations had quietly risen, but the reality was a struggle for pace and consistency. Hamilton was unable to replicate the balance and confidence he had experienced in China, particularly when navigating Suzuka’s challenging high-speed corners.
Strategy also failed to elevate him into contention, leaving him fighting in the midfield rather than challenging at the front.
The contrast was stark: from standing on the podium to once again battling frustration. The next race in Miami will be crucial for Hamilton to get back on track in terms of performance.
Upgrades offer hope despite recent setbacks
However, there are clear reasons for optimism within Ferrari following the dip in Japan. As previously reported, the Scuderia has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to close the gap with Mercedes, particularly with regard to power unit performance, where it is estimated that there is a deficit of up to 30 bhp.
A crucial private test has been scheduled at the Monza Circuit to trial a series of upgrades to the SF-26, including a revised floor, weight-saving measures, and aerodynamic tweaks.
One of the most intriguing developments is the updated ‘Macarena wing 2.0’, which is designed to improve straight-line efficiency and rear stability. These changes are expected to be introduced in phases over the coming races, potentially starting after the race in Miami.
For Lewis Hamilton, this development push could be pivotal in building on the confidence he gained in China and transforming intermittent promise into consistent front-running performance.
MORE NEWS – Trouble with Russell? Antonelli speaks out
Would you like to see more TJ13 Formula 1 coverage? Add us to your favourites list on Google to receive trusted F1 news.
NEXT ARTICLE – Max Verstappen Considering Paid 2027 Sabbatical Amid F1 Frustrations
One thing was crystal clear at the recent 2026 Formula One Japanese Grand Prix, and that is Max Verstappen is a very unhappy man. In the FIA press conference he banished a journalist from The Guardian, refusing to answer questions until the offending pork pie hat had left the room.
Verstappen claims Giles Richards had ‘laughed in his face’ following the season finale in Abu Dhabi last season. Having fallen short by just 14 points of becoming only the second F1 driver to claim five consecutive titles, Richards reminded Max of his red mist in Spain where he appeared to ram the Mercedes of George Russell.
The resulting 10 second penalty issued by the race stewards probably cost Verstappen in the region of 9 points that day, so it was not a deciding incident for his season anyway. Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies is reported to have had words with his star driver following corporate pressure from Austria over the image he was portraying of the Red Bull brand.
Max reprimanded for dismissing journalists
Thats in itself is a bizarre tale, given that Red Bull energy drinks brand, the extreme sports they have supported and the rebellious attitude of the Red Bull F1 team have always been associated with kicking over the traces. How times have changed since the death of Red Bull founder Didi Mateschitz. But we digress.
As if to make matters worse, Vertsappen had his worst racing weekend of the season. He was out qualified for the second time by new team mate Isack Hadjar and dumped out of the top ten shootout by rookie Arvid Lindblad in the Red Bull sister car. The RB22 car was “undriveable” repeated Max throughout the…CONTINUE READING THIS ARTICLE
A Brazilian motorsport writer with a background in sports journalism and broadcast reporting, Treze brings cultural insight and on-the-ground knowledge of South American racing. With credentials in communications and journalism, Treze connects today’s Formula 1 with the enduring legacy of Ayrton Senna.
