In a stunning display of skill and resilience, Lewis Hamilton clinched his first pole position with Ferrari during the sprint qualifying session at the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix, edging out Max Verstappen by a mere 0.018 seconds.
A Historic Feat
This remarkable achievement not only marks Lewis Hamilton‘s inaugural pole since joining the Scuderia but also his first since 2023, underscoring a significant milestone in his illustrious career. At 40 years old, Hamilton became the first driver over this age to secure a pole position since Nigel Mansell in 1994. Additionally, he is the first British driver to achieve pole position for Ferrari since 1990, highlighting the historic nature of this accomplishment.
Reflecting on the Achievement
Expressing his astonishment, Hamilton remarked, “I’m in shock. It’s been a long time since I had a pole, so I’m grateful to be up here.” This sentiment reflects his journey and the challenges faced since his last pole position.
This pole comes just two weeks after a rough Ferrari debut at the Australian Grand Prix, where Hamilton finished a distant 10th following setup struggles and wet-weather challenges. Many had questioned whether the switch to Ferrari at this stage of his career would bear fruit—but Friday’s sprint qualifying offered a firm response.
Lewis Hamilton’s Road Ahead
With the sprint race offering up to eight championship points, Hamilton’s pole position sets a promising tone for the weekend. The main Grand Prix is scheduled for Sunday, where Hamilton aims to capitalize on this momentum and further solidify his standing in the championship race.
Lewis Hamilton’s Chinese Grand Prix resurgence not only signifies a personal triumph but also signals a competitive season ahead for Ferrari, rekindling hopes of championship glory.