7-times Formula 1 Champion Lewis Hamilton continued his stunning start as a Ferrari driver after setting a new track record in sprint qualifying on his way to claiming the top position heading into this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix.

Hamilton, in his third official race in red, logged a time of 1:30.849s in a pulsating duel with Redbull’s Max Verstappen to snatch the top spot on the grid on Thursday, making it his first sprint pole since Silverstone 2021.

That performance eclipsed the 1:31.095s time set by Sebastian Vettel in 2018 qualifying, as per Racing News.

According to a report on Formula1.com, Hamilton expressed pleasant surprise at Ferrari’s speed in the event. “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 the session.

The win provides a well-deserved morale boost heading into his first major competition representing Ferrari as he continues his quest for a record-breaking 8th World Title.