If you were dreaming up a script for the start of a new Formula 1 season, you’d likely imagine a front row featuring Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Well, that’s precisely what’s on the horizon for the Chinese Grand Prix, even if it’s just for the Sprint race.
What makes this scenario so exciting is the unexpected shifts in team performances early in the season. On Friday, McLaren seemed to be the pace-setter right until the critical conclusion of SQ3, where things didn’t quite pan out as they hoped. Oscar Piastri came close to securing a top spot, and Lando Norris might have been right there too if not for the car’s mercurial nature, which got the better of him.
Securing early-season points while McLaren has the upper hand is going to be key. Both Hamilton and Verstappen are poised to capitalize on this Saturday morning. Interestingly, having the other as a defensive buffer could also be advantageous. Although neither wants to play the supporting role, both are confident their cars are quick enough to clinch a Sprint victory if they’re leading. Once the lights go out, Verstappen isn’t likely to give Piastri or Norris an easy pass, and Hamilton won’t exactly be rolling out the red carpet for the McLaren duo either.
Just a short time ago, it seemed unlikely this situation would unfold.
“I’m a bit taken aback, honestly—it’s surprising,” Hamilton admitted. “After last weekend’s rough start, it’s amazing to be in this position. I arrived with determination to fine-tune the car, and right from the first lap, I felt we were in a good place.”
It’s quite astonishing to see them leading ahead of McLaren, which seemed invincible during winter testing and even during the last race. Yet, here Hamilton is, competing fiercely alongside these stellar drivers.
Meanwhile, Ferrari wasn’t quite on song in Australia, failing to hit their stride in the decisive sessions at Albert Park. McLaren and Mercedes’ team principal Toto Wolff both expressed surprise at Ferrari’s woes. Their strategies didn’t gel with the unpredictable conditions, resulting in only five points from Sunday’s race. This served as a stark reminder of the challenges Hamilton and his team face in syncing up, especially if other elements aren’t fully operational.
In response to McLaren’s fast start, Norris advised to “calm down,” and Hamilton mirrored this sentiment regarding Ferrari’s struggles. His interactions with his race engineer, Riccardo Adami, highlighted the groundwork still required, though Hamilton noted how well they had collaborated in such a brief period.
Hamilton’s courteous feedback and requests stood out compared to how some drivers treat their engineers. His radio messages weren’t misguided; rather, they illustrated the ongoing challenges he’s been vocal about this year. Both Hamilton and his team are on a learning curve about extracting the best performances from each other, and much of this journey is playing out publicly.
He hadn’t completed a race simulation during pre-season, and his first attempt in Australia was marked by difficult conditions. Mistakes were easy to make, both on the track and from the pit wall.
This focus on improvement is key, as many in the paddock recognize Hamilton’s strength in races despite Charles Leclerc’s speed in single-lap situations. The prevailing thought was that Hamilton might struggle to match Leclerc in qualifying but could be a formidable force come race day.
So, for Hamilton and Ferrari to recover from their Australian difficulties within five days and apply those lessons effectively in Shanghai, culminating in a Sprint pole, is nothing short of impressive.
I’ll admit, I wouldn’t have pegged Hamilton as a strong contender for pole positions this year, due to Ferrari’s presumed lack of speed and Leclerc’s prowess. But setting the pace in only the second qualifying session is a remarkable achievement.
This triumph might be brief, depending on how the Sprint unfolds and the subsequent qualifying session pans out on Saturday, offering McLaren a chance to rectify their missteps. However, don’t count out the seven-time world champion seizing even more opportunities.
“Wow, this is incredible—my first with Ferrari,” he exclaimed. “Even though it’s not the primary pole, it fuels my drive to find more performance and compete again.”
This moment showcases the potential Hamilton holds with Ferrari, hinting at a partnership that could deliver thrilling results down the line.
