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Hamilton’s Historic Sprint Win: A New Chapter for Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton’s recent victory while driving for Ferrari in the Shanghai Sprint has been hailed as a pivotal moment in Formula 1, according to Sky Sports F1 analyst Karun Chandhok. As a defining instance of Hamilton’s transition into the legendary team, this race serves as a fresh chapter in both the driver’s career and Ferrari’s pursuit of excellence.
The Sprint format, introduced to enhance the excitement of race weekends, unfolds across six events within the broader 24-race season. It includes a qualifying session and a short 100km race, running separately from the main Grand Prix that carries greater weight in terms of points and legacy.
Hamilton’s authoritative win in the 19-lap Sprint at Shanghai, although not contributing to his record of 105 race victories, demonstrates his burgeoning synergy with Ferrari. After qualifying fifth for the subsequent 56-lap Grand Prix, Hamilton’s performance in the Sprint provided a much-needed morale boost for both himself and the team after a less-than-stellar debut in Australia, where he finished in tenth place.
Chandhok articulated the victory’s significance, stating that while Ferrari has downplayed the win, it holds substantial implications. “It is a significant day,” he remarked. “They are calling it just a Sprint, but it is meaningful.” He emphasized the race’s competitive nature, comparing it to a full Grand Prix experience in terms of challenges faced by the drivers.
Hamilton himself expressed delight over his triumph, marking it as his first Sprint victory since the format’s introduction in 2021. He addressed critics who offered unsubstantiated opinions following his Australian outing, asserting that the conditions and circumstances there were not reflective of his capabilities or the team’s potential.
An Evolving Partnership
Chandhok noted Hamilton’s evolving role within Ferrari, particularly his willingness to influence aspects of the car’s setup and strategy. “At first, he adhered to team protocols without pushing for changes,” Chandhok explained. “However, this weekend, he took the initiative to suggest adjustments aimed at enhancing performance.” The proactive approach demonstrates Hamilton’s ability to blend his wealth of experience with Ferrari’s existing framework.
Hamilton also highlighted the collaboration with his race engineer, Ricciardo Adami, indicating that their discussions began shortly after the Australian Grand Prix, focusing on fine-tuning the car’s performance ahead of the Shanghai weekend.
Chandhok encapsulated Hamilton’s impact on Ferrari succinctly: “This is precisely what Ferrari aimed to achieve by bringing Lewis onboard. His unmatched experience and countless race wins provide a steering influence for the team without the need to overhauling their core strategies.” The combination of Hamilton’s skill and Ferrari’s heritage could prove a formidable partnership in the unfolding season.
Upcoming Events at the Chinese GP
Sunday, March 23
- 2:40 AM: F1 Academy Race
- 5:30 AM: Chinese GP build-up
- 7:00 AM: The Chinese Grand Prix
- 9:00 AM: Chinese GP reaction: Chequered flag
- 10:00 AM: Ted’s Notebook
*Also on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 continues its journey in Shanghai this week with the first Sprint weekend of the season at the Chinese Grand Prix, broadcasting live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – No contract, cancel anytime
Source
www.skysports.com