Lewis Hamilton has revealed that arriving on the grid forward of the F1 dash race in China with Angela Cullen proved to be a blessing in disguise as he clinched his first victory in Ferrari colors.
Hamilton dominated the F1 dash race on the Shanghai Worldwide Circuit, profitable by over six seconds.
The seven-time world champion managed the race from the entrance, managing the hole to Max Verstappen behind.
Hamilton slowly elevated his lead over Verstappen earlier than build up a six-second lead over Oscar Piastri, who managed to get by the reigning F1 world champion.
This has been a exceptional enchancment for Hamilton in comparison with seven days in the past.
Talking after the dash within the FIA press convention, Hamilton admitted he and Cullen – his physiotherapist – arrived on the grid forward of the race too early.
Whereas Hamilton conceded that Cullen is “nonetheless getting used to issues” after being away from F1 since 2023, he highlighted the positives of how being on the grid early really had a transparent profit.
“Nicely, I felt unusually calm in myself. I might say positively extra so than traditional,” Hamilton stated. “I am typically a comparatively calm individual, however I feel immediately there was a stillness in me that I have not felt for a very long time. I did not know if that was going to be a superb or dangerous factor – if I am dormant or simply prepared.
“But in addition, I’ve bought… Ange and I, it is her first… you already know, Ange remains to be getting used to issues. That is her first Dash for ages, so even for her, we got here to the grid and we occurred to be there somewhat bit early… , like, shoot, we had been sooner than regular. Yeah, simply the timing, I used to be like, I’ll get within the automobile. And it really labored very nice.
“I bought time to spend speaking to the engineers from the automobile. I feel actually from the second – the nice begin that I had, I used to be actually proud of the beginning – after which a pair laps in, I felt that I used to be managing. So I felt like I had the automobile beneath me. However after all, the 2 behind had been pushing fairly onerous, and I might see Max was getting shut in sure locations, so I did not know.”
Lewis Hamilton bounces again from Australia setback
Hamilton might be buoyed by his efficiency within the dash race, particularly after a disappointing weekend in Australia.
The 40-year-old was out-paced by teammate Charles Leclerc all through the weekend at Albert Park.
Hamilton spent nearly all of the race behind Alex Albon earlier than a poor technique name by Ferrari value him an opportunity at a giant factors haul.
Hamilton would end tenth in Australia – the worst end by a Ferrari driver on debut since Luca Badoer in 2009.
Every week later, Hamilton took pole within the dash earlier than dominating the race.
