Ferrari have won nothing in Formula One since Lewis Hamilton’s Saturday sprint victory in Shanghai a year ago and this weekend’s return to China is a chance for both to close a circle.
Ferrari, who last won a grand prix in 2024, were Mercedes’ closest rivals in the Australian season-opener last weekend with Charles Leclerc third and Hamilton fourth behind the one-two of George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.
“For me, the prevailing feeling is now we have a fight on our hands with Ferrari,” said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff after Melbourne.
Mercedes will still be the team to beat, with Russell again the hot favourite, but after the worst season of his stellar career — without even a grand prix podium in 2025 — seven-times world champion Hamilton is sounding more optimistic ahead of round two.
The team have a loyal following in China, where the colour red symbolises happiness and good fortune, and Hamilton is also the most successful driver there with six wins from previous stints at McLaren and Mercedes.
That only went so far last year, with Hamilton winning on Saturday before both cars were disqualified on Sunday.
“Of course, we’re not as fast as Mercedes, we’ve got work to do, but we’re right in the fight,” said Hamilton after last Sunday’s race in Melbourne. “I do believe we can close the gap.”
