Helmut Marko labels Lewis Hamilton’s Sprint pole an ‘unbelievable moment’ for Ferrari

Helmut Marko talked highly of Lewis Hamilton's Pole Position with Ferrari during the Chinese GP Sprint Qualifying.

Helmut Marko labels Lewis Hamilton’s Sprint pole an ‘unbelievable moment’ for Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton (via F1), Helmut Marko (via IMAGO)

Lewis Hamilton seems to have now settled in well at Ferrari after moving on from a difficult race weekend in Australia. The Briton suffered from an extremely disappointing outing at the season-opener after finishing in just P10. However, the Chinese weekend might be a pleasant turnaround for Hamilton as he secured a highly coveted Sprint pole position. Now, Red Bull’s advisor Dr. Helmut Marko has talked highly about the 40-year-old performance in the Sprint Qualifying.

Lewis Hamilton was set to face immense struggle in competing against Charles Leclerc, especially in qualifying sessions. The Chinese Sprint Qualifying came as a pleasant surprise for Hamilton as he snatched the pole position for the Sprint race with an extremely tight margin to Max Verstappen. The Dutchman sits just 0.016s behind the pole-sitter for the Sprint Race. This means that the Briton secured a great drive around the circuit and looks promising for the main race on Sunday.

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Helmut Marko initially recalled Hamilton’s woeful outing in the season opener in Australia. Regardless, the Chinese weekend was different for Ferrari as they looked strong from the get-go. Moreover, Marko congratulated the Briton on scoring a Sprint Pole Position in just his second race weekend with the Scuderia.

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I think they had an unlucky event in Melbourne, But here, from the first session on, Ferrari was strong. And I mean, congratulations to Hamilton in his second race to be in pole position.

Helmut Marko told motorsport.com

Hamilton achieved the front-row start against one of the best qualifiers in Charles Leclerc. Due to this, the Pole Position was even more special. Marko believed that the Briton snatched the pole from a ‘fantastic qualifier’ which was furthermore impressive on his part. The Austrian finally labeled the 40-year-old’s feat as an ‘unbelievable achievement’ and looked ahead at the main race in China.

It’s against Leclerc, who is a fantastic qualifier. It means it’s an unbelievable achievement.

Helmut Marko added

Helmut Marko unsure about Lewis Hamilton’s chances against Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen managed to secure a P2 finish in the season opener in Australia despite racing in a highly inferior chassis to McLaren. The Dutchman also fought for the victory towards the final stages of the race but couldn’t quite bridge the gap to race winner Lando Norris. Amidst Ferrari’s improving pace, Helmut Marko still does not see an immediate threat to Verstappen in his performances from Hamilton.

Lewis Hamilton (via Ferrari)
Lewis Hamilton in the Ferrari garage (via Scuderia Ferrari)

Marko reckons that it is difficult to predict how the Chinese GP will pan out as many factors still remain unknown. The 81-year-old insists that the newly resurfaced track of the Shanghai International Circuit could cause less degradation in tires for the teams. Hence, only then would the true race situation be revealed for both Hamilton and Verstappen.

It’s difficult to say. With this new asphalt, I’m sure degradation will be less and less during the next couple of events. And then we’ll see who can go this speed for a race distance.

Helmut Marko told BILD

Lewis Hamilton claims ‘still work to do’ at Chinese GP

Ferrari’s performance at the initial stages of the Chinese GP weekend seems promising of great results. Lewis Hamilton took to Instagram to share his thoughts on the front-row start for the Sprint Race in China. The Briton is overjoyed after securing his first positive result with the Italian outfit. Hamilton asserted that the SF-25 ‘came alive’ from lap one itself and produced great results in the following laps.

Lewis Hamilton (via Motorsport.com)
Lewis Hamilton (via Motorsport.com)

Hamilton applauded the team for their great job after the disappointing weekend in Australia. The Briton asserted that hard work indeed pays off for everyone in their life. Still, the 40-year-old remains humble and pointed out that there is still some work to do before aiming for the mega victory on Sunday. The seven-time champion insisted that he couldn’t wait to come racing again in front of an amazing crowd in Shanghai.

POLE! MEGA result. From lap one the car just came alive !! The team has done a great job since the last race and hard work pays off. Still work to do, and I can’t wait to go again, especially in front of this crowd. The energy is always incredible. The real test is tomorrow ANDIAMO!

Lewis Hamilton said via Instagram, @lewishamilton

Hamilton has remained extremely successful in China in the past after achieving over six race wins and seven pole positions including the Sprint quali. Hence, the Briton will aim to extend his record at the circuit after a positive outing from Ferrari. However, the 40-year-old must ensure that he commits no mistakes during the race and remains consistent in his run around the track. As things are, the Italian constructor seems prepared to reignite their championship ambitions against the rivals after a low point in Australia.