FORMULA 1 delivered an exciting race at the Chinese Grand Prix as Kimi Antonelli secured his first career victory.
Driving for Mercedes, Antonelli started from pole position and controlled the race confidently. His teammate George Russell finished second, completing a strong result for the team.
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton achieved his first podium with Ferrari, signaling a promising turnaround in his form.
However, McLaren faced disappointment as both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri failed to start the race due to power unit problems.
Is Lewis Hamilton Back to His Best?
After two races in the 2026 season, Hamilton looks sharper and more competitive than he did last year.
In 2025, he struggled to match teammate Charles Leclerc during his first season with Ferrari. His performances often lacked consistency, and he appeared frustrated at times.
This season tells a different story.
Hamilton has improved both physically and mentally. He followed an intense training routine during the off-season and focused on resetting his mindset. As a result, he now looks more confident and composed on track.
He believes he can still extract more performance from the car and continues to adapt with each race.
What Changed for Hamilton?
Several factors explain his improved performance.
First, Hamilton has refreshed his mental approach. He entered the new season with a clear plan and stronger focus. This change has boosted his confidence and consistency.
Second, the latest generation of cars better suits his natural driving style.
Hamilton prefers late braking and uses the car’s movement to rotate through corners. Previous ground-effect cars required a smoother and less aggressive approach, which did not match his instincts.
The current car design allows him to return to a style that feels more natural. This shift has helped him regain speed and control.
Does Experience Still Matter?
Some experts suggest that adapting to major changes becomes harder with age. Drivers build habits over time, and changing them can take longer later in a career.
Despite this, Hamilton’s recent performances show that experience still plays a major role. He has adjusted, refined his approach, and started delivering strong results again.
Conclusion
Lewis Hamilton looks closer to his peak form in 2026. Improved fitness, a fresh mindset, and a more suitable car have all contributed to his resurgence.
At the same time, Kimi Antonelli has announced himself as a rising star with an impressive win in China.
As the season continues, fans can expect more intense battles and possibly a full comeback from one of the sport’s greatest drivers.
