Lewis Hamilton may suffer fresh blow at Chinese Grand Prix based on…read more
Lewis Hamilton faces a potential challenge at the Chinese Grand Prix, with speculation circulating in the paddock about Ferrari’s car performance. The seven-time world champion, now driving for Ferrari, is hoping to secure his first significant points at the event this weekend, following a tough start to the season. Hamilton finished 10th in his debut race for Ferrari at the Australian Grand Prix, a result that fell short of expectations.
Although Hamilton qualified in eighth place at the Australian GP, he had hoped for a stronger performance, especially as Ferrari was one of the biggest disappointments of the weekend. He and teammate Charles Leclerc initially appeared to have an advantage, starting from the front row of the grid. However, despite their early optimism, Ferrari’s race strategy faltered when a late rain shower affected the track conditions. The team made the bold decision to stay out on slick tires, but they missed the ideal window to pit and ultimately lost ground, slipping to the lower points positions.
This weekend’s race at the Shanghai International Circuit offers Hamilton another chance to bounce back. Despite the struggles in Australia, Hamilton has a history of success at the Chinese Grand Prix, which may boost his confidence. Over the years, Hamilton has won the event six times, a remarkable record that no other driver has come close to matching. In fact, no driver other than Hamilton has won the race more than twice, underlining his dominance at the venue.
The Shanghai circuit holds a special place in Hamilton’s career, having been the site of some of his most memorable performances. One of his standout results came in the 2024 season, which was otherwise marked by challenges for both Hamilton and Ferrari. In a particularly wet Sprint qualifying session, Hamilton secured second place and managed to convert that strong starting position into a podium finish, showcasing his skill in difficult conditions. This performance at the Chinese GP in 2024 remains one of his highlights of the year, and he will be hoping to build on it this time around.
However, whispers in the paddock indicate that Ferrari may still have some significant performance issues, which could once again impact Hamilton’s chances. Despite his track record in Shanghai, the team’s struggles with car setup and race strategy have raised doubts about whether Ferrari can deliver a strong showing. As the race weekend approaches, all eyes will be on whether Hamilton can capitalize on his experience and make the most of his Ferrari debut season, or if the team’s challenges will hinder his pursuit of a solid points finish.
