Eddie Irvine Questions Lewis Hamilton's Return to Form Despite China Podium

Eddie Irvine, a former Ferrari racer with four Grand Prix wins to his name, isn't quite ready to declare Lewis Hamilton's return to form in the 2026 F1 season. Despite Hamilton's podium finish at the Chinese Grand Prix, Irvine suggests that it might be too soon to celebrate. While Hamilton managed to secure a podium spot in China—a track where he's previously found considerable success—Irvine points to Charles Leclerc's dominance over Hamilton in Japan as a reason to hold reservations.

Hamilton's journey with Ferrari in 2026 began with renewed optimism, following a challenging debut season with the team. At the Chinese GP, Hamilton achieved his first podium with Ferrari, while Leclerc had already marked third places in Australia and Japan. Yet, when asked by La Gazzetta dello Sport about Hamilton's form, Irvine remained cautious. "I wouldn’t take that for granted," Irvine commented, noting that while China is a strong circuit for Hamilton, his performance in Japan told a different story.

Ferrari, as a team, appears to be in a stronger position this season, consistently appearing on the podium, though Mercedes has taken all three victories so far. The competition in 2026 is expected to be intense, with Ferrari keen on challenging for the title—a feat they haven't achieved since their 2008 Constructors' Championship win. Irvine acknowledges Ferrari's improved performance compared to last year, suggesting they might secure at least one victory this season.

Despite the skepticism, there have been glimpses of Hamilton's former glory. His pursuit of Leclerc in Melbourne was a reminder of his potential outside of his favored tracks. Hamilton himself seems to believe that the Chinese GP podium is proof of his ability to remain competitive. As the season progresses, only time will reveal whether Hamilton can consistently challenge at the front once more.