Shanghai, China – Lewis Hamilton secured his first Ferrari pole position during sprint qualifying at the Chinese Grand Prix on Friday, leaving his team boss Fred Vasseur puzzled by the sudden Formula 1 turnaround. Just a week after a disappointing race in Australia, where Ferrari struggled to find their pace, the team found themselves at the front in Shanghai, bewildering both Vasseur and their rivals.
McLaren had seemed to dominate after the morning’s free practice session, with Lando Norris showing impressive speed. However, Hamilton’s Ferrari came to life during sprint qualifying, managing to grab the top spot for the upcoming race on Saturday. This surprising performance left everyone scratching their heads, especially since Ferrari had struggled in Melbourne just days before.
Despite changes in performance throughout the qualifying sessions, Vasseur and other team members pointed towards tire management as a crucial factor in their success. McLaren, who had showcased better tire management in Australia, faced difficulties in Shanghai, where the track conditions were different. The performance swings observed were attributed to teams still learning how to optimize the new tire construction and compounds for the 2025 season.
Another significant factor highlighted was the impact of wind on the cars, as gusts around the Shanghai track created challenges for drivers. Pirelli’s chief engineer Simone Berra noted that the current ground effect cars are particularly sensitive to wind, affecting their balance and overall performance. These factors, combined with teams’ efforts to adapt to new tire specifications, led to unexpected shifts in the order during sprint qualifying.
Looking ahead, Vasseur expressed a belief that individual dominant performances from rivals might not accurately reflect overall competitiveness in the long run. Drawing on lessons from past races and the unpredictability of F1, teams are now focused on unlocking the secrets to maximizing tire performance and staying competitive throughout the season. As Ferrari continues to show promising signs of improvement, the close competition amongst teams suggests that small adjustments can lead to significant changes in race outcomes.
As F1 teams navigate the challenges posed by new regulations and variables like tire management and weather conditions, the potential for unexpected results, such as Hamilton’s success with Ferrari in Shanghai, may become the norm in the 2025 season. Overall, the sport remains dynamic and unpredictable, with teams striving to adapt and innovate to stay ahead in the competitive landscape of Formula 1.