Lewis Hamilton Celebrates First Sprint Race Victory For Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton secured his first victory for Ferrari in the sprint race of the 2025 Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix held on March 22, 2025. The British driver, who started from pole position, delivered a flawless performance, finishing ahead of Oscar Piastri of McLaren and Max Verstappen of Red Bull, who placed third. This triumph not only marks a significant milestone for Hamilton but also represents Ferrari's first win in a sprint race format since its introduction in Formula 1.

Hamilton's journey to victory was marked by his determination to overcome the challenges faced during the previous Australian Grand Prix. "I woke up feeling great today... It was great to come here and feel more comfortable in the car," Hamilton remarked, reflecting on his improved form after the season's rocky start.

The sprint race, which is a shorter format equating to one-third the distance of a regular Grand Prix, was highly competitive. Hamilton maintained the lead from the start, clocking over a second ahead of Verstappen early on. Meanwhile, Piastri strategically navigated through the race to ultimately overtake Verstappen with just three laps to go, changing the dynamics of the competition.

In the aftermath of the race, Hamilton celebrated not just the individual accolade but acknowledged the support from his engineers and mechanics. An engineer enthusiastically celebrated the win over the radio, saying, "P1, baby!" This statement encapsulated the team’s excitement and the significance of the moment.

The sprint race yielded valuable points for Hamilton and Ferrari, with Hamilton earning eight points towards the championship standings. Max Verstappen's third-place finish allowed him to accumulate six points, bringing his total to 24, just two points behind championship leader Lando Norris, who finished eighth in the sprint after a disappointing drop early on.

With regards to other competitors, Charles Leclerc, Hamilton's teammate, rounded out the top five, while George Russell from Mercedes finished fourth. The race had its share of controversy as Gabriel Bortoleto found himself embroiled in a scrappy encounter that saw him finishing in 18th place after being involved in incidents with Jack Doohan of Alpine, prompting post-race scrutiny from officials.

The results of the sprint race set the stage for the upcoming main race, which is also taking place at the Circuito Internacional de Xangai on March 23, 2025, at 4:00 AM (Brasilia time). The anticipation is palpable as Hamilton heads into the full-length race with the momentum from his sprint victory, hoping to deliver a strong performance for Ferrari.

Despite the high expectations and the pressure that comes with his status, Hamilton remains grounded and focused. "Rome wasn't built in a day. One step at a time. We're not rushing things. We have to keep pushing, stay diligent, and maintain focus and calm. It's a long, long way. It's a marathon, not a sprint," he concluded, emphasizing the long-term journey ahead for him and the team this season.

The 2025 Formula 1 season is shaping up to be one filled with competitive narratives as drivers adapt and evolve through the challenges presented on various tracks worldwide. As Hamilton sets his sights on his next achievements with Ferrari, fans worldwide are sure to keep a close eye on his performance in the ensuing races.