Scuderia Ferrari HP Claims Second Sprint Qualifying Pole as Hamilton Takes the Top Spot
The 2024 Chinese Grand Prix has kicked off with an exhilarating Sprint Qualifying session that saw Lewis Hamilton storm to pole position in a masterclass of precision and speed. His lap at the Shanghai International Circuit was nothing short of exceptional, marking a significant milestone for both himself and Scuderia Ferrari HP. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc secured fourth place, ensuring a strong presence for the team in tomorrow’s Sprint Race. With the 19-lap contest set to begin at 11:00 local time (04:00 CET), the stage is set for an action-packed battle on the newly resurfaced track.
This pole position marks Hamilton’s second Sprint pole, following his previous success in this format, and it is also a landmark moment for Scuderia Ferrari HP. The team last secured a Sprint Qualifying pole with Charles Leclerc in Baku during the 2021 season. With such a strong start, the team is optimistic about scoring valuable points to launch their Chinese Grand Prix campaign on a high note.
A Breakdown of Sprint Qualifying: A Thrilling Progression from SQ1 to SQ3
Sprint Qualifying followed its usual format, with each phase requiring strategic execution. As per regulations, only Medium tires were permitted for the first two phases, ensuring a level playing field and pushing drivers to maximize performance under strict constraints.
SQ1: A Strong Start for Ferrari HP
From the outset, both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc showcased impressive speed in their SF-25 cars. Hamilton quickly set the benchmark with the fastest time, while Leclerc slotted into third place, demonstrating the team’s competitiveness on the fresh Shanghai asphalt. The grip levels were notably high due to the new surface, but that also introduced additional stress on the tires—a factor that teams will need to monitor closely throughout the weekend.
SQ2: Changing Winds and Strategic Adaptation
As the second qualifying phase unfolded, conditions became trickier. A change in wind direction and gusty conditions posed additional challenges, requiring precise car control and adaptive driving styles. Despite this, both Ferrari HP drivers navigated the session successfully, advancing to SQ3. Their performance in this phase underscored the SF-25’s ability to handle varying track conditions, an encouraging sign for both the Sprint Race and the main Grand Prix on Sunday.
SQ3: Hamilton’s Record-Breaking Lap
With only Soft tires allowed in the final session, the battle for pole was fierce. The Ferrari HP team opted for a one-lap strategy, and it proved to be a masterstroke. Hamilton delivered a stunning lap, clocking in at 1:30.849, setting a new track record in the process. His performance was flawless, showcasing his ability to extract the maximum from the car when it mattered most.
Leclerc, while quick, was unable to match Hamilton’s perfection, finishing fourth. Although he didn’t achieve pole, his P4 starting position still offers a solid chance to challenge for a podium finish in the Sprint Race. With overtaking opportunities available at key sections of the Shanghai circuit, Leclerc remains in contention for a strong result.
Saturday’s Sprint Format: A Day Packed with Action
The Sprint format ensures that Saturday is a high-stakes day for all teams. The 19-lap Sprint Race serves as both a standalone event awarding points and a valuable opportunity to gather data for the Grand Prix on Sunday. Teams will have a chance to assess long-run performance, particularly on the resurfaced track, which has so far offered impressive grip but has also accelerated tire wear.
Following the Sprint, the cars will be released from parc fermé conditions, allowing teams to make necessary adjustments ahead of the traditional qualifying session, which determines the grid for Sunday’s 56-lap main race. With such a packed schedule, strategic decisions made on Saturday could have a significant impact on the entire race weekend.
Driver Reactions: Confidence and Cautious Optimism
Lewis Hamilton (#44) – Sprint Pole Winner
Hamilton was elated with his performance, reflecting on both the car’s improved form and his personal achievement:
“It was mega! I’m really happy with the result. We knew there was more in the car after Australia, and here, it just came alive from lap one. The team’s done a great job since Melbourne.
Pole for the Sprint Race is a great place to be, but there’s still work to do. I’ve not done a proper race run in the dry yet, so tomorrow will be a real test. The other teams will be quick, but we’re in the fight and will keep pushing.”
His comments highlight both his satisfaction and his awareness of the challenge ahead. Despite his dominant qualifying performance, he remains focused on the unpredictability of race conditions, particularly as he hasn’t yet had a full race simulation in the dry.
Charles Leclerc (#16) – P4 Starter
Leclerc acknowledged that his lap wasn’t perfect but remained optimistic about his chances in the Sprint:
“We didn’t put it all together today. Our main challenge was in turns 1 to 3, and apart from that, everything was quite tight. So we will see where we stand tomorrow. It’s not ideal to start the Sprint Race from P4, but I will give it my all to fight my way to the front. Our main focus around here will be on tires, and then we will see what’s possible in Qualifying ahead of Sunday’s race.”
His focus on tire management will be crucial, as the Sprint will provide vital data on degradation levels ahead of the full-length Grand Prix.
Team Principal Fred Vasseur: A Positive Step Forward
Ferrari HP Team Principal Fred Vasseur was pleased with the team’s performance and emphasized the importance of capitalizing on this strong start:
“We are clearly happy with this afternoon’s result. After a difficult qualifying last week in Australia, today’s performance is a boost for the whole team and is definitely very positive, also for Lewis who has been quick throughout the whole day, quickest in SQ1 too.
