'We were not impressed' - Hamilton offered early Ferrari performance verdict

Former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner has offered his views on the start of Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari career, and how some aspects have "not impressed" him.

It has been a mixed start to the seven-time world champion's time with the Scuderia, having scored just nine points across the Australian and Chinese Grand Prix. 

He qualified and finished behind Leclerc in Australia, before initially finding some remarkable pace in China at the Shanghai International Circuit. 

Hamilton delivered a magical performance in sprint qualifying and secured his first sprint pole since the 2021 British Grand Prix. The 40-year-old comfortably converted sprint pole into a first sprint victory for both himself and Ferrari.

Based on Hamilton's performance in the China sprint, many pinned the Briton as a contender for pole position and grand prix victory. However, Ferrari's impressive pace vanished, with Hamilton qualifying in fifth. 

He then initially finished the race in sixth behind Charles Leclerc, despite the Monegasque completing the entire race with a broken front wing following opening lap contact with Hamilton.

Both Ferraris were then disqualified following post-race checks. Leclerc's car was under the minimum legal weight, whilst Hamilton's SF-25 had excessive plank wear. 

When asked if Hamilton has exceeded his early expectations on the Red Flags podcast, Steiner answered: "I wouldn't say outperformed.

"He has performed well, but there were also points or situations where I think we were not that impressed. To win the sprint race was cool, coming to Ferrari and to win the second race.

"I know it was a sprint race, but to win it is pretty cool. Putting it on pole was pretty cool. But on Sunday, he was good, but was it impressive? 

"I don't think so, because Charles [Leclerc] was in front of him with a broken wing."