Lewis Hamilton set to be given major Chinese GP advantage in boost for Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton has confirmed Ferrari have brought a major update to their car for this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix.

Ferrari got off to an impressive start to their 2026 campaign given their 2025 woes, finishing third and fourth in the season opener down under behind the dominant Mercedes.

Charles Leclerc sensationally took the lead at turn one from fourth, with Hamilton also gaining four places in the opening lap.

However, after the Monegasque defended valiantly to keep the lead for a number of laps, a strategy call under the first virtual safety car handed Mercedes the advantage.

Despite finishing comfortably behind the dominant engine of Mercedes, Ferrari are believed to have the best aerodynamic package with Lando Norris impressed with the Scuderia's performance.

“I think Ferrari, from what we see, quite clearly they have the best car, their cornering speeds are unbelievable," the reigning world champion told Sky.

Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton battling in Melbourne (credit: getty)

Ferrari bring revolutionary upgrade to China

Despite Norris' claims, Ferrari are not content with their car and Hamilton has now officially confirmed the team will run the 'macarena' wing in Shanghai, six races earlier than expected.

"We did a full day or so on the wing, so I think we got what we needed," Hamilton told the media in Shanghai.

The team shocked everyone in Bahrain testing when they began testing the 270-degree rotating flap, with paddock talk claiming the wing adds 5–8 kph in straight line speed.

The Ferrari rear wing in Bahrain testing (credit: getty)

Hamilton praised his team for their work in developing the revolutionary update, which was originally intended to debut in Canada.

"I'm so grateful for the team, because it was actually supposed to be later down the line, and they worked really hard to develop it and bring it here," he added.

"It's great to see that the team are fighting, pushing, chasing, and really working overtime back at the factory to be able to bring upgrades, because that's the name of the game.

"Last year, we didn't get to see the team's full potential in that mode, because we were working on some issues."

The seven-time world champion will be hoping to replicate his sprint victory last year, which was unfortunately closely followed by disqualification in the race.

The Brit is still yet to score his maiden podium for the prancing horse, but given his performance in Australia it's surely only a matter of time.