Track record and pole position in Sprint Qualifying: Lewis Hamilton’s Friday in China is one to remember, as he secures his first pole in Ferrari colors. The Briton delivered a masterful first sector in SQ3 and was incredulous on the team radio: “Did we really do it?” At the end of the session, #44 admitted he was “shocked” but is already looking ahead to the Sprint and Grand Prix qualifying.
Lewis Hamilton lit up the timing screens in purple, setting a 1:30.949 to take Sprint pole in Shanghai. On a thrilling Friday, the British champion clinched his first pole position for Ferrari. “I want to thank this amazing crowd here today,” Hamilton said at the end of qualifying.
The pole came as an unexpected turnaround after the Melbourne disaster. Finally, Lewis Hamilton is enjoying a competitive SF-25 car: “I wasn’t expecting this result, but I’m absolutely delighted and proud. The last race was disastrous, but we knew the car had more potential,” he explained in his post-session interview.
“We made great changes,” the British driver analyzed at the end of the Sprint qualifying session in Shanghai. “The team did an amazing job on the car before the weekend. I’m a bit shocked—I can’t believe we took pole, even if it’s just for the Sprint. This is a great step forward for the race as well.”
The seven-time world champion’s lap was superb, particularly in the first sector: “I’m not exactly sure where I made the difference—I’d have to review the lap—but the first sector was very strong. It was a gradual improvement across the whole circuit.”
Then came the challenge. Ferrari can still improve, and Lewis Hamilton is determined to maximize the Shanghai weekend: “There’s definitely still room for growth, and I’ll be looking for it in qualifying for the race. Seeing the number one when you park the red car is something incredible,” said an emotional Sir Lewis.
“I don’t know what to expect from the Sprint. I hope to hold on, even though McLaren and Max are really fast, but we’re in a good position. Heads up, and let’s keep pushing,” concluded the Ferrari driver.
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