Sprint: Verstappen charges to victory over Hamilton in dramatic Shanghai sprint

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

SHANGHAI, China -- Red Bull's Max Verstappen showcased his racing prowess by turning a P4 start into a commanding victory at the Shanghai International Circuit's Sprint race. The Dutch driver methodically climbed through the 19-lap race, capitalizing on pole-sitter Lando Norris's early misstep and executing decisive overtakes on Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso and Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton.

Check out the results of the Chinese Grand Prix weekend, including the race results, qualifying times, and practice sessions

Despite his strong start, Hamilton finished as runner-up, while a late-race puncture for Alonso facilitated Sergio Perez’s climb to the podium. The remainder of the points were claimed by a fierce mid-field battle involving Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, McLaren teammates Norris and Oscar Piastri, and an aggressive George Russell on soft tires.

Under the revised 2024 format, Friday’s Sprint Qualifying session determined the grid positions for the 100km race, rewarding points to the top-eight finishers. Norris had claimed pole with a stunning rain-hit lap but faltered during the race start, slipping down the order.

Drama unfolded as Hamilton led initially, only to be overtaken by Verstappen, who expertly navigated battery issues to hunt down and surpass his competitors. Verstappen’s victory was sealed as he and his RB20 dominated in clean air, turning focus to the battles for remaining positions.

Consolidating his second-place finish, Hamilton managed a comfortable margin over the tussling pack. Meanwhile, an intense fight for third saw Leclerc and Sainz locking horns, allowing Perez to seize P3 after Alonso’s puncture.

Completing the points were Norris, Piastri, and Russell, with home favorite Zhou Guanyu missing out just behind in P9. After an action-packed race with incidents involving key drivers, Verstappen’s triumph marks another significant win in the 2024 season.

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