LEWIS HAMILTON’S CHINESE GP PODIUM PROVES HE IS NOT FIN…read more
Lewis Hamilton has sent a strong message to his critics with a standout performance at the Chinese Grand Prix, as former F1 driver David Coulthard insists the seven-time world champion is far from finished in the sport.
Hamilton, now driving for Scuderia Ferrari, secured his first podium with the iconic Italian team since making his high-profile switch from Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team in 2025. The result comes after a challenging adaptation period, during which the British driver faced intense scrutiny and growing speculation about a potential retirement at the end of the 2026 season.
After a difficult debut campaign with Ferrari, questions began to emerge about whether Hamilton, now in his 40s, could still compete at the very highest level of Formula 1. However, his performance in China has gone a long way toward silencing those doubts. Coulthard believes the podium is clear evidence that Hamilton still possesses the drive, focus, and competitive edge that defined his dominant years in the sport.
Speaking on the Up To Speed podcast, Coulthard dismissed suggestions that Hamilton might regret leaving Mercedes — the team with which he achieved the majority of his success — to join Ferrari. Instead, he emphasized that elite drivers are wired to focus on the present moment rather than dwell on past decisions.
According to Coulthard, the mindset of a top-level racing driver is centered entirely on current opportunities. While Hamilton may one day reflect on his career choices after retirement, he is currently fully immersed in the demands and challenges of Formula 1. The move to Ferrari, he added, was always going to be significant — not just professionally, but emotionally — given the magnitude of the switch and the expectations that came with it.
Hamilton’s first season with Ferrari in 2025 proved to be a tough transition. Adjusting to a new car, new engineering philosophy, and a different team culture took time, and the results initially fell short of the standards he had set during his championship-winning years. That difficult period led many to question whether age and circumstance were beginning to catch up with him.
Coulthard acknowledged that the previous season had been emotionally draining for Hamilton, both in terms of performance and public perception. At one stage, there was a growing narrative suggesting that the British driver might be nearing the end of his illustrious career. However, his recent podium finish has forced a reassessment of that view.
Rather than fading away, Hamilton has demonstrated resilience and determination, proving that he remains a formidable competitor on the grid. Coulthard praised him for responding to adversity with a strong performance, highlighting that this ability to bounce back is a hallmark of great athletes.
The former driver also pointed out that such fluctuations are a natural part of Formula 1. Even the most successful drivers experience periods of struggle, and the true measure of their greatness lies in how they respond. In Hamilton’s case, the Chinese Grand Prix result shows that he still has the hunger and capability to fight at the front.
Ultimately, Coulthard believes that talk of Hamilton’s decline or impending retirement is premature. As long as he continues to deliver performances like the one seen in China, there is little reason to doubt his place among the sport’s elite.
For Hamilton, the podium is more than just a result — it is a statement. It signals that, despite the challenges of a new chapter with Ferrari and the weight of expectation, he is still very much in the fight and not ready to step away from Formula 1 anytime soon.