"Rome wasn't built in one day": Lewis Hamilton fires back at ‘yapping’ Ferrari critics after a stunning F1 Sprint win in China

Lewis Hamilton delivered a resounding response to his critics with an emphatic Sprint race victory at the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix. Leading from pole position, the Ferrari driver showcased his experience and racecraft by fending off Red Bull’s Max Verstappen before comfortably securing a near-seven-second lead over McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. The triumph marked a significant moment for Hamilton, who had faced scrutiny following a challenging debut with Ferrari in Australia.

Speaking to Jacques Villeneuve in Parc Fermé, Hamilton acknowledged the difficulties of transitioning to a new team while addressing the wave of criticism that followed his performance in Melbourne.
“I woke up feeling great today,” the first-time Ferrari winner said.
“You know, the weather is beautiful here in Shanghai, we have this amazing crowd.
“But yeah, the first race was difficult. I really do feel a lot of people underestimated the steep climb it is to get into a new team, to become acclimatised within a team, understanding and communication, all sorts of things.

“And the amount of critics and people I’ve heard yapping along the way, just clearly not understanding maybe because they never had the experience or are just unaware.”
“The first race was difficult. I really do feel a lot of people underestimated the steep climb it is to get into a new team, to become acclimatised within a team, understanding and communication, all sorts of things,” he said. His words served as a reminder of the complexities involved in adjusting to a new racing environment, even for a seven-time world champion.
The stark contrast between Hamilton’s discomfort in Australia and his confidence in Shanghai was evident. Expressing his relief at a much-improved race weekend, he stated, “It’s felt great to come here and feel more comfortable in the car, because in Melbourne, I really didn’t feel comfortable in the car.” The engineering team’s efforts in fine-tuning the Ferrari played a crucial role in his dominant performance, allowing him to fully unlock the car’s potential.

Hamilton’s success in China reaffirmed his belief that time and patience are key to Ferrari’s long-term aspirations. Despite the immense expectations placed upon him following his high-profile switch from Mercedes, he remained composed. "I know the Tifosi, the fans, the team want to win, and it means everything to them. But I said the other day, Rome wasn't built in one day," he noted, emphasizing the importance of taking a measured approach.
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With his confidence restored and momentum on his side, Hamilton’s victory in Shanghai signals that Ferrari’s latest recruit is finding his footing. As the season progresses, his patience and perseverance could be the foundation for greater success in the iconic red car.