Verstappen charges to victory over Hamilton in dramatic Shanghai sprint
Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing put on a masterclass performance at the Shanghai International Circuit on Saturday, rising from a P4 starting position to clinch a commanding victory in the Sprint race.
Verstappen meticulously maneuvered through the pack during the 19-lap contest, initially benefiting from pole-sitter Lando Norris going off track in the first lap. The Dutchman then made decisive overtakes on Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso and Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton to secure his win.
Hamilton managed to finish in second place, while an electrifying battle for third unfolded. Ultimately, Sergio Perez capitalized on Alonso's late-race puncture to claim the final spot on the podium. The top-eight places, which earned points under the 2024 season's revised format, were rounded out by Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and George Russell.
Friday's Sprint Qualifying session, marred by rain, had set the grid for this 100km Sprint race. Norris secured pole after an impressive lap during the treacherous SQ3 phase, closely followed by Hamilton, Alonso, and Verstappen, who collectively boast 12 world titles.
With tyre blankets off, most drivers opted for the medium compound tyre, with George Russell being the lone wolf on a soft-tyre strategy—a gamble that promised early gains but questionable longevity.
At the start, Hamilton surged off the line, challenging Norris through the sweeping Turns 1 and 2. Norris slid wide through Turn 2, dropping him down the order. By the end of the first lap, Hamilton led, followed by Alonso, Verstappen, Sainz, Perez, Leclerc, Norris, Piastri, and home hero Zhou Guanyu.
During the early laps, Verstappen faced a battery issue: "Why is my battery flat?" he exclaimed over the radio. Despite this hiccup, he was able to close the gap to Alonso, overtaking him on Lap 7. With Hamilton battling handling issues, Verstappen quickly caught and passed him a lap later.
In clean air, Verstappen showcased the full potential of the RB20, lapping 1.6 seconds quicker than any other driver, while the battle for third place heated up behind him.
As Hamilton settled into a secure second place, Alonso struggled to fend off Sainz, Perez, Leclerc, and Norris. On Lap 14, Leclerc attempted to pass Perez but locked up, maintaining his position. Sainz then capitalized on Alonso's struggles, leading to a side-by-side contest and contact at Turn 7, allowing Perez to sneak through for third.
Read next ❯ Ferrari to reveal Hamilton's debut F1 car on February 19 at MaranelloAlonso's puncture from the contact forced him to retire, and a dramatic scuffle ensued between the Ferraris of Leclerc and Sainz, with Leclerc ultimately emerging ahead after an error by Sainz.
Verstappen crossed the line to secure the first victory of the Shanghai weekend, with Hamilton and Perez completing the podium. Leclerc, Sainz, Norris, Piastri, and Russell rounded out the points positions.
Zhou had to settle for ninth in his home race, followed by Kevin Magnussen, Daniel Ricciardo, Valtteri Bottas, Esteban Ocon, and Lance Stroll. Pierre Gasly in the second Alpine, Yuki Tsunoda, and Williams drivers Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant completed the finishers, with Nico Hulkenberg rounding out the field following his incident with Stroll.
The Shanghai Sprint race set the stage for an exhilarating weekend, showcasing the strategic depth and intense rivalries that define modern Formula 1. As drivers and teams regroup for Sunday's main race, all eyes will be on Verstappen to see if he can double up on his Shanghai success.
