Ferrari’s Hamilton ‘Has Mojo Back’ as Antonelli Stuns in Shanghai: Chinese GP Driver Ratings

The Shanghai International Circuit served up a Sunday of seismic shifts. A new star was born, a legend found his smile, and the established order was turned on its head. In a race that felt like a symbolic passing of the torch, Mercedes protege Kimi Antonelli claimed a fairytale first victory, while on the podium beside him, a beaming Lewis Hamilton, now in Ferrari red, looked more energized than he has in years. As the champagne dried in China, one narrative became clear: Lewis Hamilton has his mojo back.

Antonelli Arrives: A New Italian Star is Born

All the hype, all the expectation, and the 19-year-old from Bologna delivered under the brightest lights. Kimi Antonelli’s weekend was a masterclass in composure. Becoming the youngest ever polesitter in F1 history on Saturday was a statement; converting it into a victory on Sunday, under pressure from his experienced teammate, was a revelation.

His drive was not without its challenges. George Russell in the sister Mercedes applied relentless pressure, especially during the middle stint. Yet, Antonelli never wavered. He managed the gaps, executed flawless pit stops, and when he needed to push, he found time that even his team didn’t think was in the car. The sight of him securing his first grand prix victory so early in his career signals the arrival of a genuine talent. His 9/10 rating is earned not just for the win, but for the mature, championship-caliber manner in which he achieved it.

• Kimi Antonelli – 9/10: A historic, flawless weekend. Handled immense pressure to convert pole into a maiden win, announcing himself as F1’s next major force.

Hamilton’s Ferrari Fire Rekindled on the Podium

The most telling moment came after the checkered flag. As the top three assembled in the parc ferme, it was Lewis Hamilton who sought out the young winner. Wrapping Antonelli in a heartfelt embrace, he offered genuine, warm congratulations. This was the unguarded, sportsmanlike Hamilton that fans fell in love with—a stark contrast to the often-frustrated figure of Mercedes’ recent struggles.

His drive to third place was a study in resilience. Starting fifth, he managed a tricky two-stop strategy to perfection, pulling off a crucial overtake on Carlos Sainz’s Red Bull in the final stint to secure his maiden podium for Ferrari. More important than the trophy was the energy he exuded. The radio messages were positive, the in-car aggression was precise, and the post-race demeanor was one of pure joy. This podium wasn’t just about points; it was a psychological milestone. The switch to Ferrari has reignited his competitive fire.

• Lewis Hamilton – 8.5/10: A champion’s drive. Maximized the car’s potential, executed key overtakes, and showcased a renewed, positive mentality. The Ferrari chapter truly begins here.
• George Russell – 8/10: A robust performance applying constant pressure on his teammate. Secured a solid one-two for Mercedes but was just outshone by his rookie’s brilliance on the day.

Shanghai Shockwaves: McLaren’s Meltdown and Midfield Mayhem

While Mercedes celebrated, the constructors’ champions suffered a nightmare. In a bizarre and costly twist, McLaren failed to even start Sunday’s race. Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri reported critical electrical issues on the formation lap, forcing them to crawl back to the pits and retire before lights out. The team confirmed separate but equally terminal faults on each car. This double DNF is a massive blow in their title defense, handing Mercedes a huge points swing.

The drama opened the door for others. Carlos Sainz salvaged fourth for Red Bull in a car that still lacks race-winning pace, while Fernando Alonso drove the wheels off his Aston Martin for fifth. The standout midfield performance came from VCARB’s Yuki Tsunoda, who scored a brilliant sixth, capitalizing on the chaos ahead.

• Carlos Sainz – 7/10: Solid damage limitation in a difficult Red Bull. Couldn’t hold off a charging Hamilton but brought home crucial points.
• Fernando Alonso – 8/10: Another magician-like performance. Extracted every ounce of performance from the AMR24, finishing well above its theoretical pace.
• Yuki Tsunoda – 8/10: Superb, clean, and fast. His drive was a statement to the Red Bull hierarchy and a huge boost for his team.

Expert Analysis: What China Tells Us About the Season Ahead

This Chinese Grand Prix has fundamentally altered the landscape of the 2025 season. Firstly, Mercedes is unequivocally back as a championship contender. Their one-two finish, with a rookie no less, proves their car is a match for anyone. The internal dynamic between the sensational Antonelli and the established Russell is now the intra-team battle to watch.

Secondly, Hamilton’s resurgence at Ferrari is a storyline with legs. A happy, motivated Hamilton is a dangerous Hamilton. If Ferrari can provide him with a development path to fight for wins, his quest for that elusive eighth title becomes very real. Finally, McLaren’s reliability disaster exposes a critical vulnerability. In a tight season, such zero-point weekends can be championship-defining.

Predictions for the coming races: The pressure now swings to McLaren to respond in Miami. Expect a ferocious comeback attempt. Antonelli will face increased scrutiny and pressure; how he handles being a marked man is his next test. And for Hamilton and Ferrari, the goal is clear: convert this podium momentum into a first victory in red. The confidence from Shanghai will be worth its weight in gold.

Conclusion: A Weekend of New Beginnings

The 2025 Chinese Grand Prix will be remembered as the day Kimi Antonelli arrived and the day Lewis Hamilton truly arrived at Ferrari. In the young Italian’s victory, we saw the dazzling future of Formula 1. In Hamilton’s podium joy and sportsmanship, we witnessed a legendary champion rediscovering the pure love of competition that made him great. With Mercedes resurgent, Ferrari inspired, and McLaren wounded, the championship battle has been blown wide open. The mojo is back—for a driver, for a team, and for a season that just became utterly compelling.

Source: Based on news from BBC Sport.