Lewis Hamilton secured a stunning first sprint race pole for Ferrari at the Shanghai International Circuit, setting a lap record of 1:30.849 on Friday, March 21, 2025. This marks a remarkable turnaround for the seven-time world champion after a disappointing season opener in Australia where he finished 10th. Hamilton, driving for Ferrari after leaving Mercedes, outpaced the reigning champion Max Verstappen, who clocked in just 0.018 seconds slower.
"I didn't expect that result but I'm so happy and so proud," Hamilton said, expressing his joy and surprise at the pole position. The pole indicates that Ferrari has found a competitive edge, which had been elusive in Hamilton's previous race. His determination to make a significant impact with the Italian team has clearly paid off in Shanghai.
Verstappen commented on his performance, stating, "I'm very happy. In practice, we were quite a bit off, so I'm very happy to be on the front row." This second-place finish provides a morale boost for Red Bull, although ... they recognize that maintaining pace against the McLarens could pose a challenge, even in the shortened crest of the sprint race.
McLaren's driver Lando Norris faced difficulties during qualifying, stating, "I locked up in the last corner. We just struggled a bit more now, just not quick enough, simply. Struggled a lot with the car." Norris finished sixth in qualifying after aborting a potential fast lap due to a mistake. His teammate Oscar Piastri secured a commendable third place, aiming to capitalize on any opportunities during the race.
Behind Hamilton and Verstappen, the starting grid features newcomers and seasoned drivers alike. Italian rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli will start seventh, while Williams’ Alex Albon and Lance Stroll from Aston Martin follow with their respectable positions. British rookie Oliver Bearman has made a notable return for Haas, qualifying 12th after a tough race in Australia.
Not all performances were positive, as Liam Lawson of Red Bull found himself at the bottom of the grid. His struggles continue from the previous weekend, expressing difficulty in getting the tires working effectively. The absence of competitive pace for both Lawson and the Alpine drivers—Frenchman Pierre Gasly and Australian rookie Jack Doohan—adds to the mounting pressure within their teams.
The ongoing race weekend promises more excitement ahead as Free Practice and Sprint Qualifying lead into the Grand Prix scheduled for Sunday, March 23. Hamilton’s unexpected rise to pole not only sets a thrilling stage for the sprint race but also indicates Ferrari's resurgence this season.
As fans eagerly anticipate the sprint race on Saturday, it is clear that Hamilton's shift to Ferrari has already begun to bear fruit. The insights from the qualifying sessions suggest a competitive battle not just between the top drivers but across the grid, where teams like McLaren are forced to reassess their strategies after the mixed fortunes experienced in qualifying.
The Sprint race starting grid stands out as follows: 1) Lewis Hamilton (1:30.849), 2) Max Verstappen, 3) Oscar Piastri (1:30.929), 4) Charles Leclerc, 5) George Russell (1:31.169), and 6) Lando Norris.
This sprint race in China will serve as a pivotal moment for many drivers, from rookies aiming to establish themselves to veterans like Hamilton who are determined to reclaim their place at the top of the sport. The tightly-packed grid and competitive atmosphere promise unpredictable outcomes as the season progresses.
