Lewis Hamilton shared a heartfelt tribute to his mother and step-mother after securing his first podium finish for Ferrari in the Chinese Grand Prix.
The Formula One legend’s mother Carmen Larbalestier was in the Scuderia garage as Hamilton finished third in Shanghai, behind winner Kimi Antonelli and fellow Briton George Russell.
With Sunday’s race bringing his first podium in the red of Ferrari at the 26th time of asking, the 41-year-old hailed it as a ‘special day and one of the most amazing weeks I’ve had’.
‘I’ve travelled out here with my mum, travelled around and had some really special moments together,’ the seven-time world champion added. ‘And for her to see the support that I get here in Shanghai, it’s phenomenal. I’m just so grateful for how they show up for me here.
‘Happy Mother’s Day to my mum, and to my step-mum Linda who has been here with me many times and been a huge part of my life. And also to all the mums around the world.’
Hamilton also shared a carousel of images of both Carmen and Linda – the mother to his half-brother Nicolas – to his Instagram, in a post which has amassed more than 900,000 likes at the time of writing.
Lewis Hamilton celebrated with his mother Carmen Larbalestier after finishing third in China
Hamilton then paid tribute to Carmen (centre, right) and his step-mother Linda (centre, left)
‘Wishing my mum, my step-mum and all mothers out there a happy Mother’s Day,’ he penned. ‘I wouldn’t be the person I am today if not for the love and support of these two women.
‘I’m blessed to have my mum with me here in China and my step-mum cheering for me back at home. They’ve been selflessly devoted to nurturing and caring for me and have been my home, my team and my lights in my darkest times.
‘I live every day to make them proud. Love you both, enjoy your day (flowers emoji).’
Hamilton’s dad Anthony separated with Carmen when the future F1 driver was just two years old, before later marrying Linda.
Linda regularly appears in the paddock to cheer Hamilton on and also supports Nicolas, who races in the British Touring Car Championship despite having cerebral palsy.
Though he has struggled to replicate his title-winning performances since joining Ferrari, Hamilton enjoyed a hugely successful day in Shanghai – a track where he has emerged victorious six times in the past.
After claiming his 10th podium finish at the Chinese GP following a thrilling battle with team-mate Charles Leclerc, Hamilton said: ‘It was one of the most enjoyable races I’ve had in a long, long time.
‘The fact that the cars are the way they are this year, and that battle with Charles at the end was awesome – great wheel-to-wheel battle, (it was) very fair and just what we want.
Hamilton secured his first podium finish for Ferrari at the 26th time of asking in Shanghai
‘I think there was one moment where we did touch but it was subtle, just a kiss, so it’s ok. But this is what it’s about – tough racing.
‘I’ve got to say a huge thank you to everyone at Ferrari and everyone back at Maranello for getting us into this position.
‘I know it’s not exactly where we want to be – we want to be up front where (Mercedes) are, but we’ve got a great platform to work off and we’ve just got to (go) literally full gas.’
He also praised race-winner Antonelli, who replaced him at Mercedes in August 2024, saying: ‘I have to say a huge congratulations to Kimi – I’m so, so happy for you buddy, and I’m so honoured to be able to share this moment with him.
‘He took my seat at this great team, so big congratulations to Mercedes – they’re really pulling ahead at the moment, and we’ve got a lot of work to do to keep up.’