Lewis Hamilton confessed to being utterly amazed after seizing Sprint pole position for Ferrari at the Chinese Grand Prix.
Following considerable anticipation surrounding his move from Mercedes after a 12-year tenure, Hamilton faced a very disappointing Ferrari debut in Australia the previous weekend, finishing the race in 10th place.
His performance, along with McLaren`s perceived advantage, lowered expectations for the first Sprint event of the season in Shanghai. However, Hamilton surprised everyone with an exceptional lap, securing his first pole position for Ferrari.
Hamilton expressed his astonishment, saying he was “gobsmacked” and “taken back by it,” unsure when they would reach such a position. He mentioned the difficult start to the week after the previous weekend`s race and their aggressive approach to improve the car`s performance for this event.
He noted a better feeling with the car from the outset and his disbelief at being at the front, especially ahead of McLaren, who had shown strong pace throughout testing and previous races. Hamilton conveyed his gratitude for being among top drivers and close to other leading teams.
Alongside Hamilton on the front row for Saturday`s Sprint will be Max Verstappen, his long-time rival, who also benefited from McLaren`s unexpected dip in performance to secure second place for Red Bull.
Oscar Piastri led McLaren in third, while Lando Norris, the winner in Melbourne, finished further down in sixth.
Hamilton outperformed his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, who qualified fourth, and his former Mercedes teammate George Russell, who finished fifth.
Hamilton reiterated his unexpected result, expressing happiness and pride. He acknowledged the previous race as a “disaster” and the team`s efforts to unlock more car performance. He praised the Shanghai track, the weather, and how the car felt from the first lap.
He credited “great changes” and the team`s “fantastic job” during the break to prepare the car. Hamilton restated his shock at achieving pole position for the Sprint, highlighting its positive implications for the race.
Hamilton Hopeful About Maintaining Position in Sprint
Despite Hamilton`s strong qualifying, the session before indicated that Red Bull demonstrated impressive pace in longer practice runs. This suggests they remain a significant threat, and Verstappen will be looking to capitalize on his starting position.
Hamilton enters the Sprint with limited experience in longer runs with the SF-25 car, due to a technical issue in pre-season testing and a chaotic wet race in Australia.
He admitted to not completing a race run in Bahrain testing and experiencing a wet race in the previous event. He anticipates the Sprint as his first proper long run in dry conditions with the Ferrari car, followed by Sunday`s main race. Hamilton hopes to maintain their position but acknowledges the speed of McLarens and Verstappen. He remains positive and determined to push forward.
`Hamilton Has Justified His Ferrari Move`
Commentator Karun Chandhok suggested Hamilton`s result partially validates his move to Ferrari. Chandhok described it as “a story” and highlighted the short wait for this achievement after missing out in Melbourne. He noted Hamilton`s popularity in China and globally.
Chandhok believes this result justifies Hamilton`s move, indicating renewed energy, invigoration, and motivation, ultimately translating to strong performance on the track.
Commentator Martin Brundle attributed Hamilton`s and Verstappen`s success in qualifying to their experience in optimizing tire performance. Brundle noted Hamilton`s immediate control in the initial turns, achieving perfect tire temperature and pressure, a feat also accomplished by Verstappen.
Brundle emphasized Verstappen`s experience shining through and pointed out the unexpected lower position of championship leader Norris, indicating it`s not where he needs to be.
