Ferrari have not won anything in Formula 1 since Lewis Hamilton’s Saturday sprint win in Shanghai a year ago and a return to China this weekend is an opportunity for all to come full circle.
Ferrari, who last won a grand prix in 2024, were Mercedes’ closest rivals in the Australian season opener last weekend, with Charles Leclerc third and Hamilton fourth behind the duo of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.
“For me, the feeling now is that we have a battle on our hands with Ferrari,” Toto Wolff, Mercedes team boss, said after Melbourne.
Mercedes will still be the team to beat, with Russell the favourite, but after the worst season of his illustrious career – without even a grand prix podium in 2025 – seven-time world champion Hamilton looks more optimistic ahead of the second round.
Could Hamilton’s first podium for Ferrari be on the cards?
The team has a loyal following in China, where red symbolizes happiness and good luck, and Hamilton is also the most successful driver with six wins from the previous marks of McLaren and Mercedes.
