Lewis Hamilton secured his first sprint race victory for Ferrari at the Chinese GP, leading throughout the race after qualifying fifth for the main event. Hamilton highlighted the challenge ahead while praising his team. Teammate Charles Leclerc acknowledged his own performance issues, and team principal Fred Vasseur emphasized the importance of tire management.
Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton achieved a remarkable victory in his first Formula One sprint race for the team, leading from start to finish at the Chinese Grand Prix. After a disappointing 10th place in Melbourne, Hamilton’s triumph reflects a strong comeback as he prepares for the main race on Sunday, qualifying fifth. This win marks the first sprint victory for Ferrari since the format was introduced in 2021.
Hamilton’s performance was characterized by exceptional tire management, allowing him to cross the finish line ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. While Hamilton expressed glee at achieving success early in his tenure with Ferrari, he tempered expectations for the main race, acknowledging the team’s aspirations and the challenges ahead.
Reflecting on his qualifying performance, Hamilton mentioned that there was room for improvement, aiming for a stronger showing on Sunday. He expressed dedication to creating a strategic plan for the race. Teammate Charles Leclerc, who finished fifth, recognized the disparity in their setups but praised Hamilton’s driving and emphasized the need to improve his own performance at the challenging track.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur noted that managing tires effectively is crucial, particularly when leading, contrasting Leclerc’s situation navigating through the pack. In racing, clean air allows for better tire management, whereas battling competitors complicates the process, adding to the difficulty of overtaking.
In summary, Lewis Hamilton’s victory in the sprint race for Ferrari signals a promising start in his new role with the team. His exceptional tire management and leadership on the track played a key role in the win, highlighting the importance of strategy and execution in Formula One racing. With aspirations for continued success, Hamilton aims to build on this momentum in the upcoming main race at the Chinese Grand Prix.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
