Hamilton Secures Sprint Pole in Thrilling China Qualifying Session
In the 2025 F1 season’s sprint qualifying session in China, Lewis Hamilton clinched pole position ahead of Max Verstappen by just 0.018 seconds, marking a notable return to form. Lando Norris’ performance suffered due to a lock-up, while Ferrari demonstrated promising results, landing Leclerc and Hamilton in competitive positions. Hamilton’s achievement ties him with previous sprint records, setting the stage for an exciting race.
The 2025 Formula 1 season commenced with significant excitement during the sprint qualifying session in China, featuring an impressive performance from Lando Norris, who led free practice with a lap time significantly better than his nearest rival. Norris, who secured sprint pole in China last year, aimed to replicate his success amid a strong start to the season in Australia.
Max Verstappen and his teammate Liam Lawson struggled with their Red Bull cars, with Verstappen not revealing his true pace during practice. On the other hand, Ferrari showed a promising session with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton finishing in second and fourth positions, respectively. The anticipation for the sprint qualifying grid heightened as teams prepared for the upcoming segment.
Fans were informed that the sprint would not commence on Friday, prompting them to follow a guide detailing when the action would kick off on Saturday. Worries emerged regarding the performance gap between Verstappen and Lawson, which stood at 1.9 seconds, a concerning deficit despite track conditions improving with softer tires.
In sudden developments, Charles Leclerc was summoned to the stewards for a suspected breach of sporting regulations related to hazardous driving, as outlined in Article 33.4. His situation added to the tension leading into the session. Hamilton expressed surprise at his own lap performance, recognizing it as a significant achievement, noting, “Get in there, Lewis.”
Norris’ unfortunate mistake during qualifying where he locked up and abandoned his lap proved costly, ultimately leading Hamilton to secure the first sprint pole since Silverstone 2021. Hamilton’s time of 1:30.849 narrowly edged out Verstappen by just 0.018 seconds. The seven-time champion’s record equalized with his sprint pole achievements across teams, showcasing his enduring competitiveness.
In contrast, the performance of Oscar Piastri, who set a new track record, relegated Norris to P3, while both McLaren, under competitive circumstances, aimed for pole position. Notably, Norris’ previous potential was hindered by a significant lock-up and oversteer, affecting his final sprint lap. The final results positioned Hamilton and Verstappen on the front row, signaling a competitive race to come, mirroring past seasons of rivalry.
The sprint qualifying session in China saw Lewis Hamilton triumphant on pole, marking a significant achievement in his F1 career. Despite challenges faced by other drivers, particularly in the Red Bull team, Ferrari displayed commendable performance, with promising predictions for the upcoming race. Hamilton’s record-tying sprint pole emphasizes his ongoing dominance in the sport, positioning him alongside Verstappen for a highly-anticipated competition. As sprint qualifying continues, the results reflect an intense season ahead, dominated by fierce rivalries among elite teams.
Original Source: racingnews365.com
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