Lewis Hamilton's damning radio message during Chinese Grand Prix speaks volumes

Lewis Hamilton didn't hold back when speaking on his Ferrari team radio during the Chinese Grand Prix.

Following a disastrous 2025 season, seven-time champion Hamilton proved that he is still one of the best drivers in the sport during the opening race of 2026 in Melbourne.

During the Australian Grand Prix the Brit matched his best finish of 2025, as he crossed the line fourth behind Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc and Mercedes pair Kimi Antonelli and George Russell.

The 41-year-old followed his result in Melbourne with a P3 finish in the Chinese Grand Prix sprint, a race which he won last year, before picking up his first Grand Prix podium since November 2024 as he finished third in Sunday's main race.

But despite the impressive finish on Sunday, questions have been raised about Ferrari after Hamilton's concerning radio message was broadcast during the race.

Lewis Hamilton started the Chinese Grand Prix in third. (Image: Kym Illman/Getty Images)

After the opening two races of the 2026 season it has become clear that Mercedes and Ferrari will be the two teams battling at the front of the grid for both titles.

As it stands, it appears that the Silverstone-based team are the firm favourites, having finished both races in first and second, and it's clear that this fact is not lost on Hamilton.

Speaking on his team radio in China, Hamilton admitted: "Hard to keep up with these guys."

Unfortunately for Ferrari, this confession is abundantly clear in the finishing times as Hamilton, despite finishing the race in third, was nearly 20 seconds behind Russell in P2 and nearly 30 seconds behind maiden race winner Antonelli.

Despite this, the Brit managed to fight off his teammate and pick up what will no doubt be one of the most memorable moments of his career as he secured the first podium finish since his blockbuster move to Ferrari last year.

Lewis Hamilton picked up his first podium of his Ferrari career in China. (Image: JADE GAO / AFP via Getty Images)

However, despite making his way back onto the F1 podium, Hamilton was sure to let 19-year-old Antonelli enjoy his moment as he claimed his first of what is expected to be many Formula One race wins.

Speaking post-race, he said: "Huge congratulation to Kimi, I'm so happy for you buddy. And I'm so honoured to share this moment with you."