Hamilton's Ferrari Struggles: Post-Sprint Woes at the Chinese Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton discusses Ferrari's performance issues after post-sprint win setup changes at the Chinese Grand Prix, highlighting the team's need for improvement.

Lewis Hamilton faced significant challenges with his Ferrari following post-sprint win setup changes at the Chinese Grand Prix. Despite an impressive sprint win, the adjustments made to the car led to a noticeable decline in performance.

Post-Sprint Struggles: Hamilton secured a sprint qualifying pole and clinched the sprint win early in the Shanghai weekend. However, the subsequent changes to the car's setup proved detrimental. "Balance-wise, from the sprint race we made these changes and the car was terrible after that," Hamilton explained. "So I really struggled from then on."

Qualifying and Race Performance: The performance issues carried over into the main race, where Hamilton qualified fifth and finished sixth on the track. Unfortunately, both he and teammate Charles Leclerc were later disqualified due to technical infringements.

Team Analysis and Future Improvements: Reflecting on the weekend, Hamilton acknowledged the need for better setup strategies moving forward. "I think it's good learnings and hopefully won't do that again as I continue to learn this car," he said. He also emphasized the team's ongoing efforts to improve performance and close the gap with their rivals.

Championship Standings: McLaren continues to lead the constructors' championship with back-to-back victories, while Lando Norris tops the drivers' standings. The F1 season now heads to Suzuka for the Japanese GP on April 4-6, where Ferrari will aim to address their performance issues and compete more effectively.

What to Read Next

2025 Hungarian Grand Prix: Leclerc Dominates from Pole Position in Thrilling F1 Showdown
Racing

2025 Hungarian Grand Prix: Leclerc Dominates from Pole Position in Thrilling F1 Showdown

Charles Leclerc secures pole position at the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix, leading a dramatic F1 race while Ferrari faces mixed fortunes.

Charles Leclerc Stuns with Unexpected Pole at Hungarian Grand Prix
Racing

Charles Leclerc Stuns with Unexpected Pole at Hungarian Grand Prix

Charles Leclerc surprises everyone by securing pole position for Ferrari at the Hungarian Grand Prix, outpacing McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

Fred Vasseur Secures Multi-Year Deal with Ferrari: A New Era in Formula 1 Leadership
Racing

Fred Vasseur Secures Multi-Year Deal with Ferrari: A New Era in Formula 1 Leadership

Fred Vasseur has signed a multi-year extension with Ferrari, solidifying his role as the team's leader and setting the stage for the new F1 era in 2026.

George Russell on Mercedes Contract: Team Holds the Cards for 2026 F1 Season
Racing

George Russell on Mercedes Contract: Team Holds the Cards for 2026 F1 Season

George Russell discusses his uncertain future with Mercedes, admitting the team holds the cards in his contract negotiations for the 2026 F1 season.

Ferrari Extends Fred Vasseur's Contract Amid Challenging 2025 F1 Season
Racing

Ferrari Extends Fred Vasseur's Contract Amid Challenging 2025 F1 Season

Ferrari reaffirms its trust in Fred Vasseur's leadership by extending his contract during a challenging 2025 Formula 1 season.

Ferrari's Leadership Stability: Hamilton and Leclerc Back Vasseur for Future Success
Racing

Ferrari's Leadership Stability: Hamilton and Leclerc Back Vasseur for Future Success

Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton express their support for Fred Vasseur as Ferrari confirms his multi-year contract extension, ensuring leadership stability.

F1 25 Season 2 Update: Lewis Hamilton Event, Limited-Time Mode, and Major Gameplay Enhancements
Racing

F1 25 Season 2 Update: Lewis Hamilton Event, Limited-Time Mode, and Major Gameplay Enhancements

Discover the latest F1 25 update featuring Lewis Hamilton's China race event, limited-time Elimination Mode, and significant gameplay improvements.

Christian Horner's Legacy: A 20-Year Journey with Red Bull Racing
Racing

Christian Horner's Legacy: A 20-Year Journey with Red Bull Racing

Explore Christian Horner's 20-year career with Red Bull Racing, from groundbreaking victories to his recent dismissal.

The Future of F1: V8 Engines and Sustainable Fuel by 2029
Racing

The Future of F1: V8 Engines and Sustainable Fuel by 2029

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem hints at a return to V8 engines with fully sustainable fuel in F1 by 2029, promising a blend of nostalgia and innovation.

British Grand Prix 2025: A Thrilling Weekend at Silverstone
Racing

British Grand Prix 2025: A Thrilling Weekend at Silverstone

The British Grand Prix at Silverstone marks the halfway point of the 2025 Formula 1 season, featuring intense competition and historic moments.

Cadillac's 2026 F1 Debut: Top Contenders for the Driver Lineup
Racing

Cadillac's 2026 F1 Debut: Top Contenders for the Driver Lineup

As Cadillac gears up for its 2026 F1 debut, speculation intensifies over which drivers will join the team. Explore the top contenders and potential lineup.

Lando Norris Secures Pole Position in Austrian GP Qualifying, Outpaces Leclerc and Verstappen
Racing

Lando Norris Secures Pole Position in Austrian GP Qualifying, Outpaces Leclerc and Verstappen

Lando Norris dominates Austrian GP qualifying, taking pole position ahead of Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen, boosting his championship hopes.

F1 Penalty Guidelines Unveiled: A New Era of Transparency in Motorsport
Racing

F1 Penalty Guidelines Unveiled: A New Era of Transparency in Motorsport

Explore how the FIA's new penalty guidelines aim to enhance transparency in Formula 1, with insights from George Russell and implications for Max Verstappen.

Ferrari's Hypersail Project: Revolutionizing Sailing with Cutting-Edge Technology
Racing

Ferrari's Hypersail Project: Revolutionizing Sailing with Cutting-Edge Technology

Ferrari ventures into sailing with the Hypersail project, blending racing tradition with innovation, set to launch in 2026.

Kyalami Circuit Aims for F1 Return with Major Upgrades Approved by FIA
Racing

Kyalami Circuit Aims for F1 Return with Major Upgrades Approved by FIA

Kyalami Circuit in South Africa has received FIA approval for upgrades to Grade 1 status, paving the way for a potential return of Formula 1 racing to Africa.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.