Hamilton Celebrates First Sprint Victory with Ferrari at Chinese Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton secured his first sprint race victory for Ferrari in a strong comeback after his earlier performance in Melbourne, leading from start to finish. He aims for continued success as he prepares for the main Chinese Grand Prix, while teammate Charles Leclerc expresses his commitment to improving his performance. Team principal Fred Vasseur emphasizes the importance of tire management in race conditions.

Lewis Hamilton expressed that his inaugural sprint race victory for Ferrari feels extraordinary and expressed optimism for future successes, following his fifth place qualification for the ensuing Chinese Grand Prix. Dominating from the start to the finish of Saturday’s sprint race, Hamilton showcased exceptional tire management, securing the win and silencing critics after a disappointing tenth place finish at the Melbourne season opener.

This victory marked the first for both Ferrari and Hamilton since he transitioned from Mercedes in January, as they celebrated their initial sprint race win since the format’s introduction in 2021. Hamilton, a six-time winner of the Chinese Grand Prix, remarked, “Starting from pole, starting from first in a Ferrari and winning in a Ferrari is next level, man. It’s mega,” reflecting on the significance of this achievement.

As Hamilton prepares to start the Grand Prix from fifth position, he emphasized a cautious approach, recognizing both the team’s ambitions and the gradual nature of success: “I know the tifosi [fans] – the team wants to win, and it means everything – but Rome wasn’t built in a day.” He acknowledged that his qualifying lap could have been improved, indicating the potential for a stronger performance.

Hamilton’s teammate, Charles Leclerc, finished fifth as well, indicating a need for an adjustment in car setup to enhance performance. He acknowledged Hamilton’s superior handling of the race conditions and expressed his own historic struggles with the track, committing to improve in qualifying as a first step: “I wouldn’t really blame the car as Lewis is doing a great job. I really struggle with this track historically… But it’s not an excuse, and I need to react.”

Team principal Fred Vasseur highlighted the crucial aspect of tire management in the differing performances of Hamilton and Leclerc. He noted the advantages of leading in the race for better tire management, contrasting it with the challenges posed by racing in dirty air, which complicates overtaking maneuvers for drivers like Leclerc who were further back in the pack.

In conclusion, Lewis Hamilton’s astonishing performance in the sprint race demonstrates his adaptability and skill, especially after a challenging start to the season. Hamilton’s triumph at the Chinese Grand Prix signifies a pivotal moment for both him and Ferrari, while their strategic planning and tire management will be critical as they move forward. With notable support from teammates like Charles Leclerc and guidance from their team principal, Ferrari’s future endeavors appear promising as they strive for continued success in the F1 season.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com