Lewis Hamilton WINS in CHINA | What TV missed!

Lewis Hamilton is back and better than ever! At the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix, Hamilton kicked off the weekend with pole position in the sprint qualifying, followed by a triumphant win in the sprint race. He also secured the fifth-fastest time for the upcoming feature race. Let’s dive into the details from the paddock over the past few days.

Hamilton’s Paddock Presence

Hamilton was a breath of fresh air in the paddock, exuding positivity and energy. The crowd erupted with excitement during his qualifying session, and he was visibly elated after his performance. After exiting the car, he made a point to greet his father, who was waiting by the Parc Ferme fence, sharing a heartfelt hug that showcased their strong bond.

Race Highlights

During the sprint race, Hamilton led from start to finish without facing any significant challenges. This victory marked his first win since Belgium last year. After the race, he took a moment to acknowledge the cheering crowd before celebrating with his father again in the pit lane.

Behind the Scenes

On a lighter note, the paddock welcomed NBA legend Yao Ming, creating a memorable moment with Williams’ PR person, Rebecca Banks. Standing at 7’6″, Yao Ming dwarfed Rebecca, who is just 5′ tall. The contrast was so striking that I couldn’t resist snapping a photo of the two together.

As I wandered behind the main grandstand, I encountered a group of young fans who had created their own merchandise. They were enthusiastically swapping items and sharing their passion for F1, which is a rare sight. I even managed to score some cool fan-made stuff from them!

Drivers’ Stories

Among the drivers, Liam Lawson has had a challenging season, struggling with three poor results. However, he showed remarkable honesty in a press conference, stating, “I just have to drive faster.” His candidness is refreshing and reflects the pressure he faces.

Another driver making waves is Franco Colapinto, who was seen walking around the paddock with ESPN’s Juan, sharing a traditional mate drink. Franco’s friendly demeanor has made him well-liked within the paddock, which is always a plus in this competitive environment.

Changes in F1 Podium Setup

This year, a new glass barrier is present in front of the podium, a change that has sparked discussions among fans and photographers alike. While I initially thought the glass was an improvement over what we had in Australia, some fans suggested using a polarizer to reduce reflections for better photos.

Shanghai Paddock Experience

The Shanghai paddock is unique, featuring expansive gardens and hospitality suites. I took a stroll and found George Russell enjoying a quiet moment in the sun, showcasing a more relaxed side of the drivers amidst the race weekend’s hustle and bustle.

A Milestone for Me

This race weekend marks my 150th Formula 1 event as a photographer. I started my journey at the 2017 Australian Grand Prix and have covered every race since 2021. I appreciate all the support from fans and followers, and I’m excited for many more seasons ahead.

Driver Arrivals and Fan Excitement

On Friday morning, as drivers arrived, I noticed Pierre Gasly completely absorbed in a chess game on his phone, showing his passion for the game. Outside the main gates, hundreds of fans eagerly awaited their favourite drivers, with many hoping to get Hamilton’s autograph.

Conclusion

This Chinese Grand Prix weekend has been filled with excitement, emotional moments, and behind-the-scenes stories that truly capture the essence of Formula 1. With Hamilton’s return to form and the unique energy surrounding the event, it’s clear that the 2025 season is shaping up to be one for the books.

FAQ

• What was Lewis Hamilton’s performance in the sprint race?
  He won the sprint race, leading from start to finish.
• Who did Hamilton celebrate with after his win?
  He celebrated with his father, who was present at the track.
• What changes were made to the podium setup this year?
  A glass barrier was introduced in front of the podium, which has sparked discussions among fans and photographers.
• How many races have I covered as a photographer?
  This weekend marks my 150th Formula 1 race.