Hamilton Shines Bright: First Ferrari Victory in China Sprint Race

Lewis Hamilton secured a memorable first win for Ferrari with a commanding performance in the sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix. Starting from pole position, the British driver held off a brief challenge from Max Verstappen before steadily pulling away from the rest of the field to claim a dominant victory over 19 laps.

This triumph marked Hamilton’s second appearance for the legendary Ferrari team, which he joined at the beginning of the 2025 season. Later that same day, Hamilton managed to qualify in fifth place for Sunday’s main race, where Oscar Piastri of McLaren made headlines by taking his first-ever pole position in Formula 1.

Hamilton's success in the sprint came as a strong response to critics following a disappointing Ferrari debut in Australia, where he finished in 10th place. The turnaround in China highlighted his rapid adaptation to the new team and machinery, showing he remains a serious contender even after switching allegiances.

In a passionate post-race interview, the seven-time world champion addressed those who doubted his capabilities, emphasizing the challenges of adjusting to a new environment. “A lot of people underestimated how difficult it is to join a new team and get fully comfortable," Hamilton remarked. He added that many of his critics clearly didn’t understand the complexities of such a transition.

Hamilton also revealed that he had felt far more at ease with the Ferrari car in Shanghai compared to Melbourne. “From the first lap this weekend, I just felt on it,” he said, expressing relief and satisfaction at his improved performance and the chemistry building with his new crew.

Despite his sprint win, Hamilton will face a tough challenge in Sunday’s main event, starting behind Verstappen, Norris, Russell, and pole-sitter Piastri. To claim what would be a record-extending seventh win in Shanghai, he will need to deliver another near-perfect drive — a feat that remains well within reach for the seasoned champion.