Hamilton: It was a difficult race, but I’m in a good mood

Lewis Hamilton got off to a great start in Saturday’s sprint in Shanghai, just ahead of polesitter Lando Norris to take the lead, but the Mercedes car’s capabilities could not hold off Max Verstappen’s attack in the incredibly fast RB20. On the 9th lap the reigning world champion took the lead, but it seems Hamilton wasn’t too upset…

Lewis Hamilton: “Every year when I come to China, the local fans really support me and I love them very much! Obviously I am very happy with that, and I am very grateful to them.

Today we were able to fight with Red Bull, and this is already a sign of significant progress, although the race was difficult and I ended up falling behind, but I got a lot of information about the car’s behavior, so I am in a good mood for the Grand Tomorrow’s prize.

If we talk about the upcoming qualifying, I believe that in one fast lap we are still behind Red Bull and Ferrari. Of course McLaren is also leading the way, maybe even Aston Martin, but today we’re going to check.

I don’t think we can fight for front row positions today, but fortunately we now have the opportunity to work with the car and I hope that in the remaining time before qualifying we can adjust the settings and this will ensure a better performance during this session than has been possible in the past.”