Hamilton Celebrates First Ferrari Sprint Victory at Chinese GP

Lewis Hamilton secured his first sprint race win for Ferrari at the Chinese Grand Prix, leading from start to finish. This victory is significant as it marks the first for Ferrari in a sprint race since 2021. Hamilton is preparing for the main race, acknowledging the challenges ahead while emphasizing strategic tire management. Teammate Charles Leclerc also faces performance challenges with his setup.

Lewis Hamilton achieved his first Formula One sprint race victory for Ferrari at the Chinese Grand Prix, expressing that the win feels “mega”. Hamilton led the sprint race from start to finish, which is notable as it was only his second race with Ferrari after moving from Mercedes. He had previously faced criticism due to a disappointing performance in Melbourne, where he finished in 10th place.

The race, which covered 100 km (62 miles), saw Hamilton expertly manage his tires, finishing ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. This marks the first sprint race victory for both Ferrari and Hamilton since the format’s introduction in 2021, making it a significant milestone in their collaboration.

Hamilton emphasized the excitement of winning in Ferrari colors, stating, “Starting from pole, starting from first in a Ferrari and winning in a Ferrari is next level, man. It’s mega.” He acknowledged the challenges ahead, reminding fans that success takes time, as evidenced by saying, “But Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

Going into the Sunday Grand Prix from a fifth-position starting point, Hamilton pointed out that his qualifying lap was not optimal. He aims to strategize effectively for the main race, stating, “Tonight, I’m just going to make a master plan about the win. And then I’m going to try and execute it.”

Hamilton’s teammate, Charles Leclerc, finished fifth in the sprint, noting his car setup differed from Hamilton’s. He admitted to his struggles with the track historically but emphasized the need to improve during qualifying. Team principal Fred Vasseur attributed the difference in performance to tire management, highlighting the ease of managing tires when leading versus being in a crowded pack, where overtaking becomes challenging due to dirty air.

Hamilton’s impressive sprint victory for Ferrari highlights a promising start in his new team, particularly after overcoming challenges in the previous race. His strategic mindset and tire management skills play a critical role in his performance. Leclerc’s struggles underscore the intricacies of race dynamics, while Vasseur’s insights reflect the importance of position in tire management. Overall, Hamilton’s victory signals the potential for Ferrari’s resurgence in the championship.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com