Hamilton set a blistering lap time of 1m 30.849s during the crucial SQ3 phase, beating Verstappen by a mere 0.018s. Piastri and Ferrari\u2019s Charles Leclerc were also in close contention in an incredibly tight battle.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Hamilton's lap set a new record at the Shanghai International Circuit, and when informed of his achievement over team radio, the seven-time world champion reacted with disbelief. \"Really?\" Hamilton asked, laughing in surprise.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
George Russell led Mercedes' efforts by securing fifth place, capitalising on a scruffy final segment from Lando Norris. The McLaren driver had shown strong pace earlier but made an error on his first SQ3 attempt and had to abandon his second lap.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Kimi Antonelli followed in sixth, about half a second behind his more experienced teammate Russell. Racing Bulls\u2019 Yuki Tsunoda, Williams\u2019 Alex Albon and Aston Martin\u2019s Lance Stroll completed the top 10.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Fernando Alonso narrowly missed out on SQ3 in the second Aston Martin, while Haas rookie Ollie Bearman bounced back from a tough debut in Australia to claim 12th, ahead of Williams\u2019 Carlos Sainz, Kick Sauber\u2019s Gabriel Bortoleto and Racing Bulls\u2019 Isack Hadjar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Red Bull\u2019s Liam Lawson had another frustrating outing, with his struggles from the season opener continuing. A deleted final lap due to track limits violations saw him drop to 20th and last on the Sprint grid.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Fernando Alonso narrowly missed out on SQ3 in the second Aston Martin, while Haas rookie Ollie Bearman bounced back from a tough debut in Australia to claim 12th, ahead of Williams\u2019 Carlos Sainz, Kick Sauber\u2019s Gabriel Bortoleto and Racing Bulls\u2019 Isack Hadjar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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