Coulthard: Hamilton's China podium proves he's 'not done'

David Coulthard believes Lewis Hamilton's first podium finish for Ferrari at the Chinese Grand Prix should end speculation about the seven-time champion's potential retirement, arguing it shows he is still fully competitive. Hamilton's defiant performance and enjoyment of the race battle signal a rejuvenated driver ready to challenge for more with the Scuderia.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's move to Ferrari was one of the biggest stories in F1 history, but a difficult first season in 2025 led to whispers that his career might be winding down. A strong result like this podium is critical for silencing doubters, rebuilding his own confidence, and proving to the team that their massive investment in him can pay off with future success.

The details:

• Coulthard dismissed the idea that Hamilton regrets leaving Mercedes, stating a driver's mindset is focused on the "here and now" and the current opportunity with Ferrari.
• He framed the podium as a direct answer to critics: "we were all sort of going, is he done? And to his credit, he's come and shown us that he's not done."
• The former driver also suggested Hamilton's departure actually helped Mercedes by avoiding a potentially awkward conversation about moving on to a younger driver like Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
• Hamilton's own post-race comments align with this renewed vigor, calling the Shanghai battle "one of the most enjoyable races I’ve had in years" and expressing clear enjoyment in fighting with teammate Charles Leclerc.

What's next:

The immediate focus is on whether Hamilton and Ferrari can build on this momentum. Coulthard posits that continued podiums or even a win this season could convince Hamilton he is capable of mounting a championship challenge in 2027, potentially extending his career further. This result shifts the narrative from retirement talk to speculation about how high he can climb with the iconic team.