Lewis Hamilton claimed a notable victory in his first Formula One sprint race with Ferrari at the Chinese Grand Prix. He led from start to finish, marking Ferrari’s first sprint race win since 2021. While Hamilton prepares for the main race starting fifth, he emphasizes tire management and a strategic approach to success. Teammate Charles Leclerc expresses the need for personal improvement, as Ferrari’s team principal highlights the challenges of racing in traffic.
Lewis Hamilton celebrated his first Formula One sprint race victory with Ferrari at the Chinese Grand Prix, describing the moment as “mega.” After qualifying fifth for the main race on Sunday, Hamilton led the sprint from start to finish, showcasing an impressive rebound from a disappointing earlier performance in Melbourne. This win represents a significant milestone for Ferrari, marking their inaugural triumph in sprint races since the format’s inception in 2021.
During the 100km sprint, Hamilton expertly managed his tires to secure a win ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. The accomplished driver expressed his elation, stating, “Starting from pole, starting from first in a Ferrari and winning in a Ferrari is next level, man. It’s mega,” and acknowledged it was unexpected so early into his time with Ferrari.
While Hamilton prepared to start the Grand Prix from fifth position, he pledged to remain grounded. He noted, “I know the tifosi [fans] – the team wants to win, and it means everything – but Rome wasn’t built in a day,” emphasizing a cautious optimism moving forward. Hamilton also recognized that his qualifying lap could have been improved, indicating he would develop a master plan for success in the grand race ahead.
Teammate Charles Leclerc, finishing in fifth place, mentioned that he had configured his car differently than Hamilton’s. Despite his struggles with the track historically, Leclerc sought to enhance his performance moving forward. He remarked, “I wouldn’t really blame the car as Lewis is doing a great job,” indicating a need for personal improvement amid the challenging conditions of the race weekend.
Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, highlighted the importance of tire management, stating that it is noticeably easier when racing from the front rather than tussling in traffic. He commented, “As soon as you are in the dirty air, you struggle to overtake. It’s much more difficult to manage,” clarifying the disparity in performance between the teammates.
In summary, Lewis Hamilton’s victory in the sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix represents a significant achievement for both him and Ferrari. His performance showcased his advanced racing skills while reinforcing the importance of tire management in competitive racing. Additionally, Hamilton’s cautious approach to future challenges suggests a commitment to ongoing improvement. Teammate Charles Leclerc’s admission of challenges reflects the competitive nature of Formula One. Overall, this event marks a promising start for Hamilton’s stint with Ferrari, fostering hope for future successes.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
