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.
Denne historien er fra April 20, 2024-utgaven av Daily Express.
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Denne historien er fra April 20, 2024-utgaven av Daily Express.
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Slo torture as Brits waste a golden chance to end hoodoo
BOULTER RUNS OUT OF GAS AND TEAM LOSE THEIR WAY
BY EDDIE DID ME A FAVOUR HAVING A GO
Ollie changed after Jones attacked his 'bad attitude'
HILL DOESN'T TOP BILL
NICKY HENDERSON insisted there is \"nothing wrong' with Constitution Hill after his stable superstar was deposed as Champion Hurdle favourite yesterday.
THE ALTERNATIVE UNDERTAKER
From clifftop ceremonies to campervan-driven vigils and funeral pyres, Rupert Callender s revolutionising the 'bad theatre' that characterises the business of death in modern Britain
Cock-a-doodle-don't!
Residents have sleep shattered by bird's noisy 3am squawking
Mission to revive boxer pupfish after zoo finds it has the only one left
A ZOO is spearheading a conservation effort to save a rare fish species from extinction - after discovering it had the last remaining boxer pupfish.
'I'll never forget the horror in my dying husband's eyes'
A WIDOW who watched her husband choke to death due to cancer says she will never forget the look of horror in his eyes.
Gisele blasts the 'cowards' accused.of her many rapes
A FRENCHWOMAN who was sexually violated by scores of men after her husband drugged her called them all \"cowards\" yesterday as she gave evidence for the last time.
5,000 calories per day and no nature documentaries
Rev Richard Coles on lax pre-jungle routine
A criminal abuse of 'Stasi' police powers Pictures: GETTY
THE SINGLE most appalling aspect of the Allison Pearson story is that she was not told of what exactly she was accused.
