Lewis Hamilton made a press release in Ferrari crimson, storming to pole place in Friday’s dash qualifying on the Chinese Grand Prix.
The seven-time world champion endured a tricky debut with the Italian crew in Australia however bounced again in type, setting a blistering lap file of 1:30.849 in Shanghai, laying down a marker for the weekend forward.
“I didn’t expect that result, but I’m so happy and so proud. The last race was a disaster for us,” Hamilton mentioned.
“The car really came alive from lap one. We made some great changes, and the team did a fantastic job during the break to get the car ready. I’m a bit in shock. I can’t believe we got pole in the sprint.”
The first of six sprints in the course of the season will happen Saturday, forward of regular qualifying for Sunday’s full race.
McLaren’s Lando Norris, who gained in Australia, was solely sixth in dash qualifying after a mistake in a late nook.
The Briton had been quickest in the one observe session earlier Friday.
World champion Max Verstappen, within the Red Bull, was second quickest, simply 0.018 seconds behind, with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri third.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc is about to be fourth on the dash grid, forward of Mercedes driver George Russell.
In Q1 of dash qualifying, Red Bull’s second driver, Liam Lawson, was notably eradicated in final place. The New Zealander mentioned he struggled with the tires.
Fernando Alonso, in his Aston Martin, did not make it out of Q2 in entrance of packed stands on the outskirts of Shanghai.
F1 personalities continued to pay tribute Friday to former crew proprietor and pundit Eddie Jordan, whose demise at age 76 was introduced Thursday.
Hamilton gained his first title at McLaren in 2008 earlier than securing six championships with Mercedes. Verstappen’s dominance within the final 4 seasons led the 40-year-old to Ferrari, however he completed solely tenth in Melbourne.
He is now aiming for a lot better outcomes in the course of the Shanghai weekend after topping dash qualifying.
“It’s not the main race, we’ve still got work to do for tomorrow, but it puts us in a good position for the race,” he added.
Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur mentioned: “For sure, it’s a good feeling. If you compare it with last week, the qualifying and the race, it’s much better.”
“It’s brought a positive energy to the team – and to Lewis.”
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