Lewis Hamilton hits back at ‘yapping critics’ after first-ever Sprint win with Ferrari at Chinese GP

Lewis Hamilton gave a stern reply to critics after winning his first-ever Sprint race at the Chinese GP with Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton hits back at ‘yapping critics’ after first-ever Sprint win with Ferrari at Chinese GP

Lewis Hamilton (via Motorsport.com)

Lewis Hamilton‘s move to Scuderia Ferrari remains the biggest talking point of the 2025 season. Pundits in the paddock have divided opinions over Hamilton’s switch, particularly after a disappointing debut in Australia. However, the seven-time world champion has finally silenced such criticism after emerging victorious at the Chinese GP Sprint.

The 40-year-old was in a tough spot after the first race in Melbourne, where he could only manage to bring a single point home in tenth place. Pressure was building up on Hamilton this weekend. The British driver bounced back with a shock pole position for the Sprint race on Friday. The Sprint race itself was another masterful drive by the Ferrari star who took a comfortable win.

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Post-race, Lewis Hamilton spoke up on critics. He claimed that people underestimated how difficult it can be to adjust to a new team, and get up to speed with its way of working. The 40-year-old had previously blamed the different switch settings on the Ferrari car for its failure at the Australian GP.

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I really do feel that a lot of people underestimated the steep climb it is to climb and get into a new team, to become acclimated within the team.

Lewis Hamilton said post-race

Moreover, Hamilton made it clear that critics who had kept ‘yapping’ over his struggles simply did not understand the situation. Now, after his surprise Sprint win, the seven-time world champion will not have to care about their comments. This is not also the first F1 Sprint triumph in Lewis Hamilton’s career.

The amount of critics and people I’ve heard yapping along the way, clearly not understanding – and unaware.

Lewis Hamilton added

Lewis Hamilton felt ‘great’ at Chinese GP Sprint

The Ferrari star is having a starkly different weekend this time around. Lewis Hamilton claimed that he was feeling great when he woke up before the Sprint race. He further pointed out that the Shanghai International Circuit was a beautiful track, with an amazing crowd cheering for the seven-time world champion.

Today, I woke up feeling great today, it’s beautiful here in Shanghai. We have this amazing crowd!

Lewis Hamilton noted
Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO)

Moreover, Hamilton admitted that he was actually feeling comfortable with the SF-25 at this track. He emphasized that he was simply not as comfortable driving the car last weekend. As such, the British driver reaffirmed that he was feeling great on his course to victory on Saturday morning.

It felt great to come here and feel comfortable in the car cause in Melbourne I really didn’t feel comfortable in the car. It felt great today!

Lewis Hamilton explained

Certainly, Lewis Hamilton needed this victory. The 40-year-old had a bad start to the year with the Australian GP. However, Hamilton has so far dominated the weekend in Shanghai, highlighting that he still has what it takes in Formula 1. Now, the Tifosi would be hoping that he can continue this form in the remainder of the weekend and potentially win the main race on Sunday.