Chinese Grand The seven-time world champion was second quickest in qualifying for today's sprint race, behind only compatriot Lando Norris for McLaren.
The Britons flew, while leader Max championship Verstappen and Red Bull were out of sorts in the changeable conditions in Shanghai.
But Hamilton admitted that, without the rain, Mercedes still do not have the pace to compete at the front.
He said: "I'm so happy - as soon as I saw the rain coming I got excited because, in dry conditions, we're not quick enough.
"When the rain came in I thought I'd have a better opportunity, and that's when it all came together.
"If it's like that, maybe we'll have a chance of being somewhere up there.
This story is from the April 20, 2024 edition of Daily Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 20, 2024 edition of Daily Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
PEP'S MAD FOUR IT
PEP GUARDIOLA admitted it felt \"insane\" to lead Manchester City to an historic fourth top-flight title in a row.
Klopp feels the love as Anfield says 'Danke'
JURGEN GETS A BIG SEND-OFF IN FINAL GAME
Lando closing the gap to Verstappen
NORRIS TAKES CHAMP TO THE MAX AGAIN
WORLD BEATER
Undisputed king Usyk defies the odds
Tired Scottie in late surge
SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER'S unforgettable US PGA finished with a 65 and a huge ovation walking off the final green.
MPs accuse Bank of 'incompetence'
TORY MPs are demanding a review of the Bank of England's independence, accusing it of costing taxpayers thousands of pounds.
Danger cyclists ride roughshod over curbs
CYCLISTS are still flouting road rules in the face of a major clampdown on riders putting people's lives at risk.
Loser Fury blames war sympathy
BOXING superstar Tyson Fury blamed the war in Ukraine yesterday after suffering his first ever defeat in the biggest fight of his career.
Hole lot of problems on the nation's roads
WE WENT to the seaside in Kent last week.
It's Miller time for Sienna and daughter, 11
SIENNA Miller shared the red carpet with daughter Marlowe Sturridge for the first time yesterday at the Cannes Film Festival.
