Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have expressed their satisfaction following a strong Sprint performance at the Chinese Grand Prix. Both drivers achieved a double podium finish, showcasing competitive pace against leading teams.
Exciting Sprint Highlights
The short race, consisting of 19 laps, featured intense battles among top contenders. Hamilton, starting from fourth, momentarily took the lead early on. He engaged in a fierce duel with pole position holder George Russell, who ultimately secured the race victory.
Leclerc’s Performance
Leclerc, who started in sixth, praised the team’s performance. He finished just shy of Russell, stating, “I think the pace was quite strong. We had a bit of fighting, which made me lose time to George.” Leclerc noted the team’s pace as comparable to Mercedes, indicating progress in their performance.
Critical Safety Car Period
A late Safety Car period prompted leaders to pit for fresh soft tires. At the restart, Leclerc faced challenges with tire grip, preventing him from mounting a challenge for the lead. He explained, “The tires were a little bit colder than what I expected,” impacting his ability to accelerate effectively.
Hamilton’s Resilient Drive
Hamilton recovered to finish third after successfully passing McLaren’s Lando Norris in the closing laps. He acknowledged the team’s efforts, highlighting the improved car performance this season compared to last. “It’s just a much better car that we’ve designed,” Hamilton remarked, reflecting on their progress.
Looking Ahead
Both drivers are optimistic about future races. Hamilton expressed determination to improve, stating, “I will try harder again tomorrow.” The competitive atmosphere at the Shanghai International Circuit sets the stage for an exciting race weekend.
Key Takeaways
- Leclerc and Hamilton secure a double podium for Ferrari at the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint.
- Hamilton briefly led the race before finishing third.
- Leclerc finished close behind Russell, praising Ferrari’s pace.
- Safety Car intervention affected strategies and tire performance.
- Both drivers optimistic about upcoming races and improvements in car performance.
