The seven-time world champion secured his first rostrum for the Italian team at the 26th time of asking with a third-place finish at Sunday's (15.03.26) Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai and admits that it has been a difficult wait to stand on the podium in the famous red overalls.

Hamilton said: "I've been pushing for a podium.

"It's the hardest thing just to get a podium compared to a lot through my career and it was the biggest challenge to get that, and I just had to bide my time.

"I think coming into the season I really cultivated that really positive mental attitude and I'm taking that forward with me."

Ferrari have been the closest challengers to the pace-setting Mercedes team during the first two races of the season and Hamilton is happy to have a car that is more to his liking this year after a difficult 2025 campaign.

The British racer said: "I started this voyage and this dream of moving to Ferrari and being on the top step with them, and this podium has taken longer than I had hoped.

"After a difficult year last year, to be able to be a part of developing with them, working with them over the past year, gives me huge pride and it's such a privilege to be a part of this brand.

"They provided us a really solid car. As George [Russell] was saying, we've got a great package, particularly through corners, just got to step it up to be able to keep up with them on the straights.

"But yeah, it's a very special day, and especially as it's, I guess, Mother's Day. My mum's here, and yeah, it's been an awesome week."