Hamilton in shock over sprint pole

A “GOBSMACKED” Lewis Hamilton said he was in shock after he landed his first pole position in Ferrari colours for Saturday’s sprint race in China.

- MOTORSPORT BY PHILIP DUNCAN

Hamilton, 40, rolled back the years to kickstart his Ferrari career with top spot on the grid for the 19-lap dash to the chequered flag.

Hamilton's six wins in China is more than any driver in his tory and his pole lap - the fastest ever in Shanghai - was greeted with huge roars by the crowd.

For the seven-time world champion, it came just five days after he finished only 10th on his full debut for Ferrari follow ing a performance he described as a disaster.

“I am a bit gobsmacked and taken back,” said Hamilton, who edged out Red Bull's Max Ver-stappen by just 0.018 seconds.

“I didn’t know when we would get to this position. The last race was a disaster for us.