The F1 circus returned to China after an exile of half a decade. However, this break did not seem to have hampered the entertainment provided at the track. The front-row sitter Lewis Hamilton claimed the Sprint qualifying to have come alive with the onset of rain in the final moments of the session.
Lewis Hamilton is one of the greatest drivers in the history of F1. However, luck has not been in his favor as he is enduring one of the worst starts to a season ever in his career. Despite this, Hamilton looked to be on the pace from the onset of Sprint Qualifying and seemed to have the sprint pole in the bag before Lando Norris‘ lap was reinstated, demoting the 39-year-old to second place on the grid.
Hamilton explained how the rain affected his qualifying chances.
As soon as I saw the rain coming, I was getting excited because naturally in dry conditions, we are not quick enough, so when the rain came, I kind of thought I would have a bit of an opportunity - and that is when it all came alive. Lewis Hamilton said in an interview with RacingNews365
The 39-year-old reckoned that with the onset of the rain, he could utilize his vast experience and qualify in the dicey conditions. Moreover, in the intra-team battle, the experience difference was evident when George Russell managed to qualify 11th on the grid. Hamilton for a moment, topped the timing charts in SQ3 and eventually secured P2 for tomorrow’s Sprint race.
Lewis Hamilton wishes for rain during the Sprint race
The Mercedes driver enjoyed qualifying for the Sprint race in China. However, qualifying is only one part of the equation and points are awarded on the Sprint race day and also during the main 56-lap Grand Prix. Hamilton is aware of this and has specified the conditions required for him to fend off his rivals on Saturday.
The 39-year-old is well aware of the performance deficit between Mercedes and the top teams and thus, wishes for the sprint race to be under damp conditions.
[Our Sprint] will really depend on what the conditions will be, if it is like [the Sprint Shootout], then maybe we will have a chance of being up there. If it is dry then naturally, the Ferraris and Red Bulls will come by but maybe we can hold off some of the others. Lewis Hamilton said in an interview with RacingNews365
Hamilton claimed that if the race was in similar conditions as qualifying, then his team could do something magical. However, if the weather gods do not favor them, then it will be a mammoth challenge for the Englishman to keep the quartet of Red Bull and Ferrari drivers behind.
Despite his concerns, the Mercedes garage seems happy with Lewis Hamilton’s performance. They would be hoping for a miracle tomorrow and envisage Hamilton to have an extremely strong outing.
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