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Clarkson Comments on Hamilton’s ‘Sluggish’ Chinese Grand Prix Performance
Formula One pundit Jeremy Clarkson has labelled Lewis Hamilton’s showing at the Chinese Grand Prix as “sluggish.” This assessment comes after the Mercedes driver concluded the race in sixth position, trailing both his teammate and Max Verstappen.
Clarkson Highlights Ferrari’s Significance and Hamilton’s Sprint Success
In his column, Clarkson emphasized Ferrari’s unique standing in Formula One, stating, “It’s important to everyone in Formula One that Ferrari does well because all the other teams are businesses, and Ferrari is more than that. It’s the heart and it’s the soul.”
He then turned his attention to Lewis Hamilton’s initial performance in Shanghai, noting the anticipation for a strong start in China. “It was crucial then that the team’s new driver, Lewis Hamilton, started strongly.”
Clarkson remarked on Hamilton’s sprint race performance: “And surprisingly, it did. For the sprint race in Shanghai, the veteran driver secured pole position and comfortably won the race.”
Contrasting Fortunes: Sprint Glory to Grand Prix Disappointment
However, Clarkson pointed out a stark contrast in Hamilton’s fortunes, “What’s interesting, and concerning, is that a few hours later, despite generating global headlines with his sprint victory, Hamilton only managed to qualify fifth for the main event.”
He further highlighted Hamilton’s race day struggles: “And in the race itself, he was so uncompetitive that his teammate overtook him. Subsequently, he was disqualified.”
‘Hero to Zero’ – Clarkson Questions Hamilton’s Pace
Clarkson expressed his bewilderment at this dramatic shift in performance.
“How is that possible?” he questioned. “I can understand a car performing differently at different tracks, but to witness such a drastic change at the same track, on the same day? It makes no sense.”