Mercedes’ George Russell beat Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton to victory in the thrilling China Grand Prix Sprint.
Russell started on pole after closing in on the front row with team-mate Kimi Antonelli, but Ferrari once again got off to a sensational start as Hamilton stormed forward from fourth on the grid and took the lead on the first lap.
Hamilton had a thrilling battle with Russell in the opening laps, with the lead changing hands several times, but was eventually completely passed by Mercedes and his team-mate Leclerc.
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Lewis Hamilton takes the lead in a thrilling start to the Chinese GP sprint.
Russell led by almost five seconds, but had to defend it once again when a late Safety Car started the thrilling three-lap race after the leaders all stopped for fresh tyres.
Russell said: “It was quite fun in the end! There is a lot of strategy when playing and the way to overtake is not easy.
“I hope it was a fun race. Normally sprints are pretty boring. I had everything under control and there was a safety car… I was very happy with the win.”
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George Russell believes Ferrari is competing with Mercedes after battling Lewis Hamilton in the Chinese GP sprint.
Russell, who won last weekend’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix, extended his Drivers’ Championship lead over Antonelli to 10 points after the Italian finished fifth.
Just as he did when he finished second on the grid in Melbourne, Antonelli had further misfortune after a terrible start when he collided with Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar on the first lap, earning him a 10-second time penalty.
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Charles Leclerc was furious with Lewis Hamilton after the Ferrari almost touched him in the sprint at the Chinese GP.
Antonelli showed his Mercedes’ impressive speed as he fought back to second on track, but he was put back once again when he received a time penalty for stopping under the safety car.
He finished among the McLarens, finishing fourth after reigning world champion Lando Norris failed to hold off Hamilton, who took up the position at pit stops when Ferrari had to double up on the car.
Oscar Piastri finished sixth, Liam Lawson picked up two points with seventh for Racing Bulls and Oliver Bearman took the final points with Haas.
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Max Verstappen has had a dismal performance in the Chinese GP Sprint race after finishing 9th.
Max Verstappen had another painful experience at Red Bull. He initially lost several places, but battled back to finish just off the points in 9th place.
Nico Hulkenberg had to stop his Audi on the track, triggering the Safety Car, while British rookie Arvid Lindblad of the Racing Bulls and Cadillac’s Valtteri Bottas were also forced to retire due to technical problems.
The race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 at 7am on Saturday and will qualify for Sunday’s Chinese Grand Prix.
Sky Sports F1 Chinese GP Schedule
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Take a look back at some of the wildest moments captured on onboard cameras at the Chinese Grand Prix.
Saturday, March 14th
5.30am: F1 Academy Race 1*
6:30 AM: Preparing for Chinese GP qualifying*
7am: Chinese GP Qualifying*
9:00 AM: Ted’s Qualifying Note*
Sunday March 15th
2.35am: F1 Academy Race 2*
5.30am: Build-up to the Chinese GP: Sunday Grand Prix*
7 a.m.: Chinese Grand Prix*
9am: Chinese GP reaction: checkered flag*
10 AM: Ted’s Note*
*Applies to Sky Sports main event as well
Formula 1 will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 from Shanghai for the Chinese Grand Prix, the first sprint weekend of the 2026 season. Stream Sky Sports NOW – No Commitment, Cancel Anytime
