Lewis Hamilton uses 'San Diego' codeword at Chinese GP and F1 fans think they've worked out its meaning

F1 fans think they may have figured out why Lewis Hamilton was heard using a 'San Diego' codeword with his race engineer after claiming pole position for the Chinese Grand Prix sprint race.

On Friday morning, Hamilton reminded Formula One fans why he is a seven-time world champion after he claimed pole position in qualifying for the sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix.

The result comes after a disappointing start to the Brit's time at new team Ferrari at the Australian Gran Prix, where he finished the race in 10th.

After Hamilton claimed pole position for the sprint, race engineer Riccardo Adami was immediately heard using the codeword 'San Diego' to refer to pole position, and fans think they have finally figured out why.

Once Hamilton crossed the line at the Shanghai Audi International Circuit with a lap time of 1:30.849, he immediately got on the team radio to speak with new engineer Adami to see where he qualified.

He asked: "Where are we?"

Adami then replied: "That's San Diego."

While laughing, Hamilton rplied: "Really? Yes!"

Adami added: "Good job in San Diego, San Diego!"

Initially fans were confused by the reference to the city located in California, especially after Hamilton was never heard mentioning it during his 12 years with previous engineer Peter Bonnington at Mercedes.

However, now they are convinced that the Ferrari driver must have been jokingly referencing the popular comedy film 'Anchorman.'

Reacting to the radio message, one fan asked on X: "Anyone got the reference on Lewis Hamilton and his engineer saying 'its San diego' for describing pole?"

To which one replied: "Lovely little Anchorman reference from Hamilton there, San Diego!"

While another Hamilton fan added: "It’s awesome how Lewis Hamilton’s playful side shines through in moments like this! Referencing Anchorman with the “San Di-a-go” line is a fun nod to the movie and shows the camaraderie between him and Riccardo Adami."

Lewis Hamilton will start the Chinese Grand Prix sprint race at the front of the grid. (Image: Getty)

Although it's not been confirmed by Hamilton that this is what he and Adami meant, it wouldn't be the first time that he has made a reference to the Will Ferrell movie, as he also quoted a line from the film during his interview on the Hot Ones YouTube series.

And when Sky Sports tried to get more information from Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, he remained tight-lipped, laughing while replying: "Ciao. Ciao"

Speaking about his shock pole position after the race, Hamilton admitted: "I didn't expect that result, but so, so happy and so proud.

I think obviously the last race was a disaster for us, and clearly we knew that there was more performance in the car, we just weren't able to extract it.

"We made some great changes, the team did a fantastic job through the break to get the car ready. I'm a bit in shock. I can't believe we got a pole in the sprint.