Lewis Hamilton secured his first spray win for Ferrari at the Chinese Grand Prix, leading from start to finish and significantly improving from his prior performance. Expressing his excitement, Hamilton looks forward to future races while focusing on strategy. Teammate Charles Leclerc finished fifth, acknowledging Hamilton’s strong performance as they prepare for the weekend’s main race.
Lewis Hamilton has achieved his first sprint race victory with Ferrari at the Chinese Grand Prix, leading the race from start to finish. This win marks a significant turnaround after his disappointing performance in Melbourne, where he finished 10th. Qualifying fifth for the main race on Sunday, Hamilton expressed excitement, hoping for continued success with Ferrari following his move from Mercedes in January.
Hamilton managed his tyres exceptionally well during the 100km sprint, finishing ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. This victory is noteworthy for Ferrari and Hamilton, as it is the first sprint race win for both since the sprint format was introduced in 2021. Hamilton remarked on the thrill of winning for Ferrari, stating, “Starting from pole, starting from first in a Ferrari and winning in a Ferrari is next level, man. It’s mega.”
Looking ahead to the main race, Hamilton remained grounded, acknowledging the team’s desires while emphasizing patience: “I know the tifosi [fans] – the team wants to win, and it means everything – but Rome wasn’t built in a day.” He believed he could improve on his qualifying lap time. His mindset is set on planning for victory in the upcoming race.
Teammate Charles Leclerc finished in fifth place, differing in car setup from Hamilton’s vehicle. Despite recent struggles with the track, Leclerc understood the necessity to improve and responded positively about his teammate’s performance, saying, “I wouldn’t really blame the car as Lewis is doing a great job.”
Team principal Fred Vasseur highlighted the difference in tyre management between the two drivers. He noted that Hamilton’s position at the front allowed him to manage his tyres more effectively, while Leclerc faced difficulties in overtaking due to being in the pack. Vasseur commented, “As soon as you are in the dirty air, you struggle to overtake. It’s much more difficult to manage.”
In conclusion, Lewis Hamilton’s inaugural sprint race win for Ferrari at the Chinese Grand Prix signifies a promising beginning for his new team. His mastery of tyre management and competitive spirit are commendable as he prepares for the main event. Both teammates, Hamilton and Leclerc, are focused on improving their performances, with the team emphasizing the importance of strategy and patience moving forward in the season.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
