Tales of the unexpected—that’s how Formula One history will remember this moment, the moment Lewis Hamilton secured his first-ever pole position as a Ferrari driver. Hamilton hadn’t expected to put his Ferrari on pole, and in the post-Sprint Qualifying session, he admitted he was “gobsmacked.” After all, his debut for Ferrari in Australia had been disastrous by his own admission.

But this is only Sprint Qualifying—the appetizer before the main course, the Grand Prix. As I always say, qualifying is for glory, but the race is where points are won or lost.

Hamilton narrowly edged out Max Verstappen, while Oscar Piastri slotted into third in his McLaren. Championship leader Lando Norris succumbed to the pressure of stiff competition, pushing a little too hard on his final run and ending the session in sixth place.

Liam Lawson was the notable absentee from the fight, qualifying a miserable last. Meanwhile, ever the bridesmaid, Yuki Tsunoda secured eighth—possibly higher if he hadn’t been inadvertently blocked by George Russell.

Chinese GP Sprint Qualifying: Results:

1 Lewis Hamilton Ferrari 1:30.849
2 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing +0.018
3 Oscar Piastri McLaren +0.080
4 Charles Leclerc Ferrari +0.208
5 George Russell Mercedes +0.320
6 Lando Norris McLaren +0.544
7 Andrea Kimi Antonelli Mercedes +0.889
8 Yuki Tsunoda Racing Bulls +0.924
9 Alexander Albon Williams +1.003
10 Lance Stroll Aston Martin +1.133

11 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin 1:31.815
12 Oliver Bearman Haas 1:31.978
13 Carlos Sainz Williams 1:32.325
14 Gabriel Bortoleto Sauber 1:32.564
15 Isack Hadjar Racing Bulls no time
16 Jack Doohan Alpine 1:32.575
17 Pierre Gasly Alpine 1:32.640
18 Esteban Ocon Haas F1 Team 1:32.651
19 Nico Hulkenberg Sauber 1:32.675
20 Liam Lawson Red Bull Racing 1:32.729