Lewis Hamilton sees a chance for Mercedes to perform well in the wet during Saturday’s sprint race in Shanghai, following a rain-affected qualifying session.
Hamilton secured a front-row start behind for the sprint race, with his teammate George Russell eliminated in Q2. While Russell struggled in dry conditions, Hamilton thrived when rain began to fall during the final phase of qualifying.
Expressing his excitement at the prospect of wet weather, Hamilton acknowledged the challenging conditions but remained optimistic about Mercedes’ chances.
“I was getting excited as soon as I saw the rain coming,” Hamilton explained. “In dry conditions, we’re not as quick, so when the rain came, I thought I would have a better opportunity, and that’s when it came alive for me.”
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff praised Hamilton’s performance and credited the team’s decision to bring him in for a fresh set of intermediate tires during the session.
While Hamilton sees potential in wet conditions, he remains cautious about Mercedes’ prospects in dry weather for the sprint race.
“If it’s dry, then naturally the Ferraris and the Red Bulls will come by,” Hamilton noted. “Maybe we can hold off some of the others, but it really depends on the conditions.”
With uncertain weather conditions for the sprint race, Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes are prepared to adapt and capitalize on any opportunities that arise on race day.
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