Lewis Hamilton's Sprint Race success in China surprised Mercedes' James Allison
- Planet Sport writer
- 25 April 2024
In a twist of fate on the Shanghai circuit, Lewis Hamilton defied expectations by clinching second place in the Chinese Grand Prix's Sprint Race.
A feat even Mercedes technical director James Allison hadn't foreseen due to the team's current car deficit.
Hamilton's performance during the Saturday Sprint Race was a blend of skill and adaptability, seizing the front row in qualifying and maintaining a formidable position despite the challenging circumstances.
Allison, acknowledging the team's scepticism, remarked, "If I'm honest, no, I didn't expect that we would hang on to P2 because I don't think the car's quick enough to merit that at the moment."
The race saw Red Bull's Max Verstappen ultimately claiming victory, while Hamilton's strategic driving secured him second place, marking his best sprint race outcome since the 2021 British Grand Prix.
Allison commended Hamilton's prowess, stating, "I don't want to downplay the achievement because I think it was a very, very well-controlled drive by Lewis who got the absolute max out of the car in that day."
Despite facing a significant pace difference compared to the leading cars, Hamilton's ability to maintain position was partly attributed to the challenges faced by other drivers on the track. "With Fernando (Alonso) then being at the head of the faster cars, they took a while to find their way past him and that bought us some breathing space," explained Allison.
The unexpected outcome sheds light on Hamilton's adaptability and skill under pressure, providing a welcome morale boost for the Mercedes team amidst their current challenges. "It was a welcome tonic for all of us to first of all, put the car in a decent grid slot and then bring it to the flag in that same position," expressed Allison.
Looking ahead, the F1 Miami Grand Prix promises further excitement in the 2024 season, with the anticipation building for the upcoming races at the Miami International Autodrome over the weekend of 3-5 May.
As the championship progresses, Hamilton's surprising Sprint success serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of Formula 1 racing.