Martin Brundle was impressed by Lewis Hamilton on Friday as the Ferrari star secured pole for the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint.
The 40-year-old finished ahead of Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri as he bounced back from last weekend's difficult race in Australia.
Hamilton has, in recent years, resembled a shadow of his usual self.
But he was outstanding on Friday morning, with F1 fans hopeful he can now produce the form that has made him a seven-time champion in the past.
F1 news: Martin Brundle was impressed by Lewis Hamilton on Friday as the Ferrari star secured pole for the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint
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Brundle, speaking to Sky Sports, was full of praise for Hamilton and his display.
"You could see straight away in the first four turns, Hamilton had it on point," said the former Formula One racer.
"The car was really stable and he was hustling the throttle and he got the tyres, pressures and temperatures absolutely in the window, so did Max.
"Max's experience comes through again. Championship leader Norris down in sixth and that's not where he needs to be."
JUST IN: Lewis Hamilton reveals he's 'in shock' after Ferrari star secures pole for Chinese Grand Prix Sprint
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Hamilton was cheered on by the crowd in the Far East as the Ferrari star summoned some of the magic of old.
And he admitted after securing pole that he was in a state of 'shock'.
The veteran stated: "Firstly I want to say a big thank you to this amazing crowd we have today. I didn't expect that result but I'm so happy and so proud.
"The last race was a disaster for us and we knew there was more performance in the car but wasn't able to extract it.
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LEWIS HAMILTON TAKES #F1SPRINT POLE 🤩
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Wow! #F1 #ChineseGP pic.twitter.com/iPRaB1nHqg
"To come here to a track I love, Shanghai a beautiful place, the weather has been amazing and the car came alive from lap one.
"We made some great changes, the team did a fantastic job in the break to get the car ready.
"I'm a bit in shock. I can't believe we get a pole for the Sprint! It puts us in good stead for the race."
When quizzed on what made the difference, he continued: "I have no idea, I would have to go back and look.
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"My first sector was really strong, I think that's where I made most of my improvement on that lap. Just little increments through the whole place.
"There's still time to find which I will make sure I apply to the next qualifying session we go out in.
"It's amazing to see the number 1 as you stop and to be in the red car is incredible."
The Chinese Grand Prix Sprint will take place on Saturday morning.
F1 news: Lewis Hamilton was too strong for Max Verstappen as he secured pole in the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint qualifying
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Once that is out of the way, qualifying will then commence.
Hamilton will be seeking another win at the Chinese Grand Prix, having won the race six times during his career.
