Lewis Hamilton claimed his maiden Ferrari victory in Shanghai’s sprint, delivering a bold response to critics after a shaky season opener.
Lewis Hamilton wasted no time making headlines in red. On Saturday, during the sprint race at the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix, he claimed his first victory with Ferrari—a symbolic but powerful win that silenced early doubters.
After a difficult start in Australia, where he finished 10th, it seemed Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari might take time. But in Shanghai, on a circuit he knows well, he delivered. Starting from a surprise pole, he controlled the sprint from start to finish, eventually pulling nearly seven seconds clear of Oscar Piastri.
“Many Underestimated the Challenge”
Speaking after the race, Hamilton did not hold back. Switching teams in Formula 1 is not simply a matter of wearing a new suit. “There are people speaking without understanding,” he said, referencing critics who judged him too soon. He emphasized that joining a new team like Ferrari, learning a different car, and building communication with engineers requires time.
He knows that real success is not built overnight. Victories are important, but building something lasting is the real goal.
Setup Shift and a Driver Back in Control
In China, Hamilton took control of the technical approach. After following Ferrari’s setup direction in Australia, he imposed his preferences this time—drawing on knowledge gained in winter testing. The result was a car that suited him far better and restored his confidence.
“From the first laps, I felt more connected to the car,” he explained. “I’m still learning how to extract the best from it, but now I have a clearer idea of what I need to be fast.”
Tyre Management and Front-Running Pace
Even with pressure from Max Verstappen during the race, Hamilton remained composed. Ferrari’s lower front-left tyre wear compared to rivals allowed him to maintain strong pace throughout. Once Piastri got past Verstappen, he could not close the gap—losing time to Hamilton with every lap.
Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc, initially off the pace, began to recover late in the race. He couldn’t pass George Russell but acknowledged that Hamilton’s setup direction was stronger and that he would adjust his own car accordingly.
“The Potential Is There… I’m Just Not Unlocking It Yet” – Leclerc
Leclerc admitted Hamilton made better use of the car. Despite traditionally struggling at Shanghai, he accepted that it was his responsibility to adapt. “I have to learn, and so far, I haven’t been doing the right things in the car,” he said.
A Sprint Win, but a Clear Message
Though it was “only” a sprint race, this victory carried weight. Hamilton remained measured in his reaction but clearly took pride in the achievement. “This is a step in the right direction. Rome wasn’t built in a day. It’s a marathon, not a sprint—even if this one was,” he said.
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Hamilton Silences Doubters with Dominant Ferrari Debut
Hamilton Silences Doubters with Dominant Ferrari Debut
