Hamilton unsure Mercedes F1 can challenge Ferrari in China

Lewis Hamilton is unsure Mercedes will have the pace to challenge Formula 1 rival Ferrari for victory in Sunday’s Chinese Grand Prix after finishing half a second adrift during qualifying in Shanghai.

Ferrari swept to a front-row lock-out for the second race in succession on Saturday afternoon as Sebastian Vettel led home teammate Kimi Raikkonen at the front of the pack.

Mercedes struggled to challenge Ferrari throughout qualifying as Valtteri Bottas and teammate Hamilton ailed to P3 and P4 on the grid respectively, finishing half a second back from the Ferraris ahead.

Asked why Mercedes struggled so much, Hamilton admitted he was “not really sure”, and was uneasy about the team’s chances heading into the race.

“I don’t know if we can challenge, we’re half a second behind today. Honestly I can’t tell you if we can challenge,” Hamilton said.

“We were quicker in the race [than in qualifying] at the last race, but they were able to hold on.

“They’ll probably do the same tomorrow.”


Hamilton took some comfort from the overtaking opportunities at the Shanghai International Circuit, but admitted Ferrari’s straight-line speed would make it difficult to pass.


“I think it’s like in the top three of the easier [tracks] to overtake, the deltas are generally a second,” Hamilton said.

“But the Ferraris are too fast on the straight, so it’ll be interesting. It’ll be hotter tomorrow so it will be a challenge to see whether or not we can keep up with them.”