Lewis Hamilton achieved his first sprint race win for Ferrari at the Chinese Grand Prix, leading from start to finish. He expressed excitement about the victory while emphasizing the need for continued focus and strategy for the main race. Teammate Charles Leclerc acknowledged differences in car setup and performance, while team principal Fred Vasseur noted the challenges of managing tires under race conditions.
Lewis Hamilton has secured his inaugural Formula One sprint race victory for Ferrari at the Chinese Grand Prix, leading throughout the race. The seven-time world champion expressed that the win feels incredibly significant and he anticipates more success after qualifying fifth for the main Grand Prix. This victory serves as a remarkable turn of fortunes following his disappointing 10th place finish during the season opener in Melbourne.
The 40-year-old Briton demonstrated exceptional tire management, ultimately crossing the finish line ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. This achievement marks Ferrari’s first sprint race victory with Hamilton, who joined the team from Mercedes in January. Hamilton stated, “Starting from pole, starting from first in a Ferrari and winning in a Ferrari is next level, man. It’s mega.”
Despite the triumph, Hamilton remains grounded about the upcoming Grand Prix, recognizing the expectations placed by the tifosi (fans) and the team. He remarked, “I know the tifosi – the team wants to win, and it means everything – but Rome wasn’t built in a day.” He also reflected on his qualifying performance, noting it was not entirely satisfactory and expressed his intent to develop a strategy for the main race.
Teammate Charles Leclerc, who finished fifth, acknowledged that his car setup differed slightly from Hamilton’s. He reflected on his historical struggles with the track but emphasized the necessity to improve. He expressed, “I wouldn’t really blame the car as Lewis is doing a great job.” Team principal Fred Vasseur attributed the performance variance to tire management, highlighting the challenge of overtaking in the dirty air when racing from behind.
In conclusion, Lewis Hamilton’s first sprint race victory with Ferrari at the Chinese Grand Prix is a significant milestone, reflecting his adaptability and skill. Despite the achievement, both Hamilton and Leclerc recognize the importance of preparation and adjustment for the main race. The insights from the team emphasize the challenges of racing dynamics and the critical role of tire management.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
