Hamilton Silences Critics with Historic First Ferrari Sprint Victory in China
Lewis Hamilton secured his first Sprint victory at the Chinese Grand Prix, addressing critics who questioned his move to Ferrari while emphasizing the complexity of adapting to a new team environment.
Red and black motorsport cars racing
After struggling in Melbourne, Hamilton found his rhythm in Shanghai, citing improved comfort with the car from the first lap. The seven-time world champion acknowledged the challenge of acclimatizing to a new team, including communication and operational adjustments.
"From lap one here this weekend, I've really been feeling on it," Hamilton stated, crediting his engineers and mechanics for fine-tuning the car's performance. He managed to hold off Max Verstappen early in the race before building a commanding lead over Oscar Piastri, ultimately winning by nearly seven seconds.
Despite the victory, Hamilton emphasized the importance of maintaining perspective: "Rome wasn't built in one day, one step at a time. We're not going to get ahead of ourselves." He stressed the need for continued focus and calm, particularly given the expectations of the Tifosi and Ferrari team.
McLaren's Oscar Piastri, who finished second, highlighted the productive nature of the Sprint and expressed optimism about potential improvements for upcoming sessions. He noted that while they couldn't match Hamilton's pace, the team identified areas for enhancement in preparation for the main race.
The result demonstrates Ferrari's competitive potential, though Hamilton maintains that success requires patience and consistent development. With McLaren showing strong form and Red Bull remaining a threat, the Chinese Grand Prix weekend promises intense competition across the field.