Ferrari's Hamilton Grabs Pole for Chinese Grand Prix Sprint Race

Lewis Hamilton secured a stunning pole position for the Chinese Grand Prix sprint race, breaking the Shanghai lap record with a time of 01:30.849sec. Hamilton's impressive performance puts him in a strong position for the race on Sunday.

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton secured a stunning pole position for the Chinese Grand Prix sprint race, breaking the Shanghai lap record with a time of 01:30.849sec. This impressive performance marked Hamilton's second race weekend with Ferrari and demonstrated the team's resurgence after a challenging season-opener.

Hamilton's lap record was a testament to his exceptional skill, as he navigated the resurfaced 5.451km Shanghai International Circuit with ease. The British driver, who has won a record six Chinese Grands Prix, was visibly thrilled with his achievement, receiving a thunderous ovation from the Shanghai fans as he emerged from his car.

Reigning world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull secured the second spot, finishing a mere 0.018sec behind Hamilton. McLaren's Oscar Piastri claimed third place, while Charles Leclerc finished fourth in the second Ferrari. Mercedes' George Russell took fifth place, and early championship leader Lando Norris finished sixth after aborting his final flying lap in his McLaren.

Hamilton expressed his surprise and delight at securing pole position, stating, “I'm a bit in shock. I can't believe we get a pole for the sprint. It puts us in good stead for the race.” His impressive performance has positioned him favorably for the upcoming race, and Ferrari will be looking to capitalize on this momentum.

Rounding out the top 10 were Kimi Antonelli in a Mercedes, Yuki Tsunoda's RB, Alex Albon's Williams, and Lance Stroll's Aston Martin. The stage is now set for an exciting sprint race, with Hamilton and Ferrari poised to make a strong impact.

Reigning world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull secured the second-fastest time, narrowly missing pole position by 0.018 seconds. McLaren's Oscar Piastri took third place, while Charles Leclerc finished fourth in the second Ferrari. George Russell of Mercedes claimed fifth place, and early championship leader Lando Norris settled for sixth in his McLaren after aborting his final flying lap.

Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion from Britain, stunned the field by taking pole position for the sprint. His impressive performance came as a surprise, especially after a disappointing 10th-place finish on his Ferrari debut at the season-opening race in Melbourne. An ecstatic Hamilton received a thunderous ovation from the Shanghai fans as he emerged from his car.

LEWIS HAMILTON TAKES #F1SPRINT POLE 🤩

Wow! #F1 #ChineseGP pic.twitter.com/iPRaB1nHqg

— Formula 1 (@F1) March 21, 2025

“I'm a bit in shock,” Hamilton admitted in a post-qualifying interview. “I can't believe we get a pole for the sprint. It puts us in good stead for the race.” Hamilton's remarkable turnaround has positioned him favorably for the Chinese Grand Prix, which will take place on Sunday over 56 laps.

Rounding out the top 10 were Kimi Antonelli in a Mercedes, Yuki Tsunoda's RB, Alex Albon's Williams, and Lance Stroll's Aston Martin. The stage is now set for an exciting Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday.