Lewis Hamilton is hopeful about his prospects in the Shanghai sprint race, believing variable weather conditions could give him a competitive edge.
Lewis Hamilton expressed optimism for the upcoming sprint race in Shanghai, buoyed by changing weather conditions that played to his strengths. Following a rain-impacted sprint qualifying, the Mercedes driver secured a second-place start, instilling confidence for a competitive Chinese Grand Prix.
As the Formula 1 circus pitched its tents in Shanghai for the first sprint race of the 2024 season, drivers and teams were met with an array of challenges that culminated in a thrilling and unpredictable qualifying session. The weekend kicked off with the usual proceedings, but it was soon evident that weather would play a significant role in shaping the outcomes.
Friday’s sessions were straightforward until Sprint Qualifying 1 (SQ1), during which Oscar Piastri reported light rain on the track. Conditions remained manageable, but the session wasn’t without drama; Pierre Gasly and Logan Sargeant were involved in an impeding incident, and a fire at Turn 5 caused a delay – a reminder of the earlier track issue seen in Free Practice 1.
In Sprint Qualifying 2 (SQ2), the heavens opened further, intensifying the rain witht he FIA confirming an official wet track. This change was a boon for some, such as Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu, who made it through to SQ3 to the delight of the local crowd. However, the conditions led to the elimination of notable drivers like George Russell and Daniel Ricciardo, setting the stage for an even more tumultuous SQ3.
The final segment of qualifying saw all drivers on intermediate tires as they navigated the slippery circuit. Amidst this chaos, Lando Norris emerged unscathed to clinch the provisional pole position.
Lewis Hamilton, who qualified in second place, shared his experiences and hopes post-session.
“It was very tricky. Not a lot of grip for everyone but I’m so happy. As soon as I saw the rain coming I got excited because in the dry we were not quick enough, so when the rain came I thought we would have a better opportunity and that’s when it came alive.”
Hamilton further elaborated on his outlook for the sprint race, dependent on the whims of the weather.
“It really depends on what the conditions will be. If it’s like that, we will have a chance of being somewhere up there. If it’s dry, the Ferraris and Red Bulls will come by but maybe we can hold off some of the others.”
With the sprint qualifying complete, the stage is set for a riveting sprint race early morning tomorrow. The unpredictability of the weather combined with the mixed fortunes seen in qualifying suggests that fans could be in for an exciting spectacle. Will Hamilton’s optimism translate into a successful sprint challenge, or will the Ferraris and Red Bulls dominate in dry conditions? Only time will tell.
