Reuters
Shanghai, April 12: Lewis Hamilton helped Mercedes reassert their authority over Ferrari by leading home team mate Nico Rosberg in a dominant display for the German outfit at the Formula One Chinese Grand Prix here Sunday.
The race had a slightly anti-climatic feel to its conclusion as the cars crossed the line behind a safety car but Hamilton controlled events from the front and always looked good value for his 35th career win and record-extending fourth in China.
After stunning Mercedes with a brilliant victory in Malaysia at the end of March, Sebastian Vettel threatened early in his Ferrari but once the cars were fitted with the medium-compound tyres for the final stint, the German’s challenge faded.
Hamilton’s second win in three races allowed him to extend his lead at the top of the championship standings, the Briton moving on to 68 points with Vettel on 55 and Rosberg a further four points adrift.
Vettel protected third behind the two Mercedes but Raikkonen, who was left ruing another missed opportunity after qualifying sixth, surged past Williams’ Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas off the line to slot into fourth.
No points for Force India
Shanghai: Sahara Force India returned without points for the second successive race as Sergio Perez finished 11th and Nico Hulkenberg did not finish the Chinese Grand Prix, here Sunday. After beginning with seven points from the season opening Australian Grand Prix, Force India have missed out on top-10 finish in Malaysia and now in Shanghai.
