Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton sets incredible F1 record with shock Chinese Grand Prix result

Sam Cook Saturday 22 March 2025 01:00

Lewis Hamilton with the F1 drivers' title in Ferrari gear

Lewis Hamilton has set yet another Formula 1 record, after an incredible first pole position with Ferrari at the Chinese Grand Prix.

The six-time winner in Shanghai managed to beat both McLarens and rival Max Verstappen to sprint pole, where he dismantled the lap record with his sprint qualifying lap time.

Hamilton posted a new lap record of 1:30.849 seconds, shaving more than two tenths off Sebastian Vettel's 2018 qualifying time of 1:31.095 seconds, as he became the oldest pole sitter since Nigel Mansell at the 1994 Australian GP.

The Brit is now 40 years of age, and has had fresh energy breathed into him by the move to Ferrari, as he hunts a record-breaking eighth world title before his career comes to an end.

Hamilton's F1 sprint pole shock

On the whole, McLaren still look to have the pace advantage in China, and mistakes from Lando Norris on both of his SQ3 runs prevented him from challenging for pole.

Both Hamilton and Verstappen will be looking over their shoulders during Saturday's sprint race, with Oscar Piastri starting third and Norris down in sixth.

The fairytale storyline that has paired the most successful driver in F1 history with the most successful team on the grid has now seen its first record shattered, with Hamilton now being the proud owner of the all-time lap record around the Shanghai International Circuit.

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Max Verstappen Lewis Hamilton Ferrari McLaren Lando Norris Oscar Piastri