In a move that firmly quashed the chatter of his critics, Lewis Hamilton clinched his inaugural sprint victory at the Chinese Grand Prix. But, in true Hamilton style, he stays grounded, refusing to get swept up in the jubilation.
Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, recently made headlines with his high-profile transfer to Ferrari from Mercedes after a 12-year tenure. His initial struggle in the inaugural race in Melbourne sparked a flurry of criticism, a reaction Hamilton deems an overestimate. The champion driver believes the critics fail to grasp the magnitude of adapting to a new team, a transition he describes as a steep climb requiring acclimatization, effective communication, and understanding.
Hamilton’s performance in Shanghai silenced the naysayers. He expressed comfort and control in his new vehicle, a stark contrast to his Melbourne experience. “From the very first lap this weekend, I’ve been feeling on it,” Hamilton confidently stated, praising his engineers and mechanics for their exceptional work in fine-tuning the car.
Hamilton’s victory wasn’t without its challenges. The new tarmac offered an abundance of grip, making tire management a crucial aspect of the race. Despite this, he held off the likes of Max Verstappen in the first half before surging ahead to win by almost seven seconds, defeating Oscar Piastri.
However, Hamilton insists on maintaining perspective, emphasizing that Ferrari should not let the victory go to their heads. “We’ve got to continue to push, stay diligent, remain focused, and stay calm,” he urged. He likened the journey ahead to a marathon, not a sprint, and urged patience, reminding everyone that “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
The threat of McLaren is anticipated to intensify if Piastri and his teammate Lando Norris can elevate their Sprint qualifying positions. Piastri, despite finishing second, was optimistic about the experience. He admitted that they couldn’t match Hamilton’s pace but remained hopeful for the upcoming races.
Hamilton’s victory not only marks his inaugural win with Ferrari but also sends a clear message to his critics. Yet, he remains focused on the journey ahead, understanding that there’s a long road of challenges and potential victories yet to come. The champion’s message is clear: the race is on, but it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
