How will the grid line up for the F1 Sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix?

When qualifying for the F1 Sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix began, Lando Norris was the favorite. The McLaren driver, fresh off an impressive performance to begin the year at the Australian Grand Prix, topped the timing sheets in the single practice session, was second fastest in SQ1, and was fastest in SQ2.

But when the checkered flag flew to close out SQ3 Norris was down in P6 and it was the driver who nipped him in SQ1 — new Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton — who was sitting in pole position.

“I’m just a bit gobsmacked, honestly. I’m a bit taken aback by it. I didn’t know when we would get to this position,” said Hamilton after qualifying to the official F1 channel.

Hamilton’s pole position marks his first with Ferrari, and just the second F1 Sprint pole position of his legendary career. His first F1 Sprint pole position came back at the British Grand Prix in 2021, the first F1 Sprint race weekend in the sport’s history.

As for whether Hamilton can hold onto P1 in the F1 Sprint race itself — and take home the eight points that go to the winner — the Ferrari driver admitted there are some fast cars around him this weekend.

“I’m hoping that we can hold onto it but I think the McLarens are very, very fast, as is Max [Verstappen, who starts second]. But we’re in a good position, we’ll stay positive, we’ll keep our heads high and keep pushing forwards,” added Hamilton.

Here is the provisional starting grid for the F1 Sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix: