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Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton feels reborn. Fair play by Charles Leclerc

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Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton expressed his satisfaction with the first podium achieved with the Cavallino in his career: “Did I feel alive today in the race and on the podium? Absolutely! The battle with Charles was great. I also give huge congratulations to Kimi Antonelli who did an outstanding job. It was a privilege for me to be on the podium as one of the oldest drivers, along with a kid who is growing up and has the’opportunity to work with a fantastic team”, he said at the end of the Chinese Grand Prix.

The duel with Leclerc was spectacular: “The battle on the track was tough but that’s the nature of racing. I have to thank everyone at the factory for the huge push they gave to get us to this position. Of course, we still have to push because we don’t want to be in this one, but we want to be in the front. We have to keep pushing, focusing on closing the gap”.

The Mercedes engine makes a difference but Hamilton is very happy with the SF26: “The car gives great feeling. Right now the biggest difference between us and Mercedes is the power. They have an advantage in the straights, they have a great engine. It’s conjecture, but I think they started developing earlier than we did. Then I don’t know if it is because they have a bigger turbo than us, however, they have more power. When we are on the straights you can see it”.

Luca FranzosiFormula 1 kicks off: salaries of the 10 highest-paid drivers in 2026

The Formula 1 World Championship is about to restart: the salaries of the 10 highest paid drivers in 2026. Source RacingNews365
Lance Stroll (Aston Martin): $12 million. The Canadian driver is in his sixth season with the British team
Alex Albon (Williams): $12 million. The Thai is in his fifth consecutive year at Williams
Pierre Gasly (Alpine): $12.5 million. The French driver moved to Alpine in 2023
Oscar Piastri (McLaren): $13 million. The'Australian finished third last season
Carlos Sainz (Williams): $13 million for the'former Ferrarista, at Williams since last season
Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin): $20 million. The Spanish two-time world champion driver is the most experienced on the grid
Lando Norris (McLaren): $30 million. The world champion is only fifth in this special ranking
George Russell (Mercedes): $34 million. The British driver goes after his first world title this season
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari): $34 million. The Monegasque wants to break the curse of the Italian stable, which has not won a drivers’ title since 2007
Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari): $60 million. After last season’s disappointments, the British driver wants to redeem himself
Max Verstappen (Red Bull): $70 million. Lavish contract for the four-time world champion, who in 2025 finished second

“When they pass us they seem to fly and we cannot defend ourselves. In the corners, however, we are as strong as they are. Maybe we will work not only on the engine, but also on the’aerodynamic efficiency in the straights. Fingers crossed and hopefully we can catch up and beat them”.

Teammate Charles Leclerc complimented Sir Lewis: “Lewis was very fast last year too, but they were different cars. To have both cars there in front is great. Especially with this new regulation, you can do something when you are fighting with those in front. Having both Lewis and me with the ability to constantly attack the Mercedes is good”.

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