Chinese GP: Lewis Hamilton dominates Shanghai circuit for 1st win of the season

Lewis Hamilton took victory for Mercedes in Sunday’s Chinese Formula One Grand Prix ahead of Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel in second and Max Verstappen of Red Bull taking third.

Hamilton crossed the line 6.2 seconds ahead of Vettel, the winner of last month’s season-opening race in Australia.

The race pits Vettel and Hamilton for the championship battle of this season.

Vettel acknowledged that even after starting the season with a bang, he cannot discount Lewis Hamilton just yet. He said, “I had a very exciting race – tried to chase Lewis down but he was able to respond.”

PROVISIONAL CLASSIFICATION (LAP 56/56): After a frantic start, @LewisHamilton produces a flawless drive #ChineseGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/Em2zz7huhB

— Formula 1 (@F1) April 9, 2017

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen started at the back of the grid from 16th position. But by the time the cars neared lap 33, he was already breathing down Hamilton’s neck, after gaining 14 positions.

Speaking at the podium, Verstappen said it felt like playing a video game. “I think I passed nine cars on my first lap. It felt a little bit like a video game for me.”

Hamilton wanted to know the secret behind Verstappen’s ease on the wet tracks. The Briton said, “This guy seems to find it easy to pass people in the wet. We’ll have to look at the videos and see what he’s been doing!”

Force India’s Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon finished 9th and 10th on the final list.

Result from the Formula One Chinese Grand Prix at Shanghai International Circuit

1. Lewis Hamilton (Britain) Mercedes 1:37:36.160
2. Sebastian Vettel (Germany) Ferrari +00:06.250
3. Max Verstappen (Netherlands) Red Bull – TAG Heuer 00:45.192
4. Daniel Ricciardo (Australia) Red Bull – TAG Heuer 00:46.035
5. Kimi Raikkonen (Finland) Ferrari 00:48.076
6. Valtteri Bottas (Finland) Mercedes 00:48.808
7. Carlos Sainz Jr (Spain) Toro Rosso – Renault 01:12.893
8. Kevin Magnussen (Denmark) Haas – Ferrari 1 lap
9. Sergio Perez (Mexico) Force India – Mercedes 1 lap
10. Esteban Ocon (France) Force India – Mercedes 1 lap

(With Reuters Inputs)