Lewis Hamilton delivered a strong performance in Shanghai, securing his first win for Ferrari in the sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix. After a difficult start to the season in Australia, the seven-time world champion looked determined to silence his critics. He dominated the sprint from start to finish, marking a historic moment for both himself and Ferrari.
Hamilton’s Commanding Sprint Win
Lewis Hamilton started from pole and controlled the entire race. He never gave his rivals a chance to challenge him. This victory was not only his first with Ferrari but also the team’s first-ever sprint win since the format began in 2021.
After the race, Hamilton made his feelings clear. He had heard the doubts and criticism surrounding his move to Ferrari. “I really feel that a lot of people underestimated how steep the learning curve is when you join a new team,” he said. “There’s been so much yapping from people who clearly have no idea how long it takes to adapt. Maybe they’ve never experienced it, or they just don’t understand?”
Hamilton struggled in the first races of the season. His partnership with his new race engineer, Riccardo Adami, did not start smoothly in Australia. However, in China, he decided to take more control. On Monday, he reached out to Ferrari with his own setup ideas. “I told Riccardo what I wanted to start with this weekend. I’m happy with the direction.”
The change worked. He took pole position for the sprint and executed a flawless race, managing his tyres expertly. Over team radio, Adami praised him: “Well done, mate. A masterclass in tyre management.”
Piastri Takes Pole for the Grand Prix, Hamilton Starts Fifth
While Hamilton shone in the sprint, Oscar Piastri made headlines in Grand Prix qualifying. The McLaren driver secured his first-ever Formula 1 pole position. His lap was smooth and precise, leaving his rivals behind. George Russell took second for Mercedes, while Lando Norris secured third.
Max Verstappen had a frustrating session, finishing fourth in his Red Bull. Hamilton, who made small changes to his car’s setup, ended up fifth. He admitted the adjustments made the car harder to handle but remained positive. “It’s a learning curve,” he said.
Piastri, who had spun in Australia, was thrilled with his performance. “When you hook it up, it feels mega. I’m happy, we learned a lot in the sprint.”
Norris Struggles as Midfield Battle Tightens
Lando Norris had a difficult weekend despite his early-season success. He made mistakes in both the sprint and qualifying. He finished eighth in the sprint after running off-track. Then, in qualifying, he abandoned his final lap after realizing he wouldn’t improve.
Though disappointed, Norris still has a chance in the Grand Prix. McLaren’s race pace has looked strong this season, so he may still fight for a podium finish.
Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc will start sixth for Ferrari. The RB duo of Isack Hadjar and Yuki Tsunoda impressed by qualifying seventh and ninth, respectively. Mercedes’ young driver, Kimi Antonelli, continued his solid form by taking eighth. Alex Albon secured tenth for Williams, showing the team’s progress.
Full Qualifying Results
Here’s how the rest of the grid will line up for the Grand Prix:
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11th: Esteban Ocon (Haas)
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12th: Nico Hülkenberg (Sauber)
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13th: Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
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14th: Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
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15th: Carlos Sainz (Williams)
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16th: Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
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17th: Ollie Bearman (Haas)
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18th: Jack Doohan (Alpine)
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19th: Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber)
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20th: Liam Lawson (Red Bull)
Once again, Lawson found himself at the back of the grid.
Hamilton’s Statement Victory
Hamilton’s sprint win was about more than just points—it was a message. Many had doubted his move to Ferrari, but he proved he is still one of the best drivers on the grid. He is learning, adapting, and finding his rhythm with his new team.
His performance in China shows that he is not done fighting. As the season continues, his critics may have to rethink their doubts. With each race, Hamilton is getting stronger, and Ferrari is improving.