The 2024 Chinese Grand Prix is off to a flying start after returning to the F1 calendar for the first time since 2019. Max Verstappen entered the weekend as the undisputed favorite once again but it would be safe to claim that the weekend has been nothing short of unpredictable. It was quite a hectic session throughout, as the drivers had to fight through the tough wet conditions during SQ3.
Lewis Hamilton bagged pole position toward the end of the session, but it was taken away from him shortly. The main reason for this was Lando Norris‘ lap time controversy that left many baffled. For those who don’t know, the McLaren superstar finished SQ with a lap time of 1m 57.940s. But it did not count as the FIA mentioned since all four wheels of his MCL38 went off the track and touched the gravel.
“Lap time reinstated” 🤡🤡🤡 pic.twitter.com/h6YpFFCP78
— Mercedes-AMG F1 News (@MercedesNewsUK) April 19, 2024
The lap time, which set pole, was taken away from Lando, in violation of track limits. However, toward the end of the session, the FIA reinstated the timing, which didn’t go down too well with rival fans as well.
Lewis Hamilton speaks to media after losing pole position to Lando Norris
The Mercedes legend set a lap time of 1:59.201, finishing second in SQ ultimately, and Fernando Alonso wrapped the top three after registering a time of 1:59.915. It would be a surprise for the world to see that the defending champion, Max Verstappen, will not be in the front row this time around. It would certainly be a sight as the Dutchman has landed on pole on countless occasions, and the change could excite some fans as well.
It was a session crammed with action! 🍿
Watch the highlights of #F1Sprint qualifying in Shanghai 🎥#F1 #ChineseGP
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 19, 2024
After the qualifying session, Hamilton spoke to the media about the conditions. He did not speak about Norris but was feeling ecstatic after finally receiving some positive results. He said, “As soon as I saw the rain coming I was getting excited because in dry conditions we’re not quick enough, so when the rain came I thought I’d have a better opportunity, and that’s when it all came alive.”
It is no secret that Hamilton excels in wet conditions, and his experience is just another advantage for the driver as well. He has bagged some impressive results over the years in slippery conditions, and it wasn’t any different this year. Despite the setbacks of Mercedes’ W15, Hamilton has been phenomenal in getting the best out of a car that seems to be obviously behind its competitors.
Toto Wolff weighs in on Chinese GP drama
Had Hamilton ended up in pole position, that would have been some light at the end of the tunnel for Mercedes. The once-successful team has now accepted that the W15 is nowhere near their competition, Ferrari and Red Bull. It certainly looks like they are not fighting for the championship anymore, but rather getting ready for the regulations changes in 2026.
Team principal Toto Wolff was nowhere near satisfied after witnessing the 7x champ lose pole to the McLaren driver. He said after SQ, “I haven’t seen the detail, just that all four tyres were off track. But, obviously, that was even slower [for Norris]. He could probably have gone faster, so I’m okay with that.”
In addition to that Wolff was happy that Hamilton managed to secure a positive result despite the tricky conditions. It would be interesting to see how the Mercedes team performs at the race, and a top three finish would surely be a great result.