Max Verstappen wins Chinese Grand Prix sprint after Lewis Hamilton reality check

Max Verstappen finished clear of Lewis Hamilton to win the first sprint race of the 2024 Formula 1 season in China, with Hamilton putting up a good showing despite tempering expectations after qualifying.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton qualified in second after rival Lando Norris had a hot lap briefly deleted and then reinstated. Reigning champ Verstappen overcame both, though, despite starting in fourth.

Verstappen has won three of the first four races this season to open up a lead over Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez in the overall standings. The sprint victory saw the Dutchman lay down another marker ahead of the fifth grand prix of the campaign in Shanghai.

Hamilton took second, albeit some distance behind Verstappen, who took eight points for his win. Perez came home in third, followed by the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.

"The first few laps were quite hectic," Verstappen said. "They were pushing quite hard up front and I had Carlos behind with new tyres and it was very difficult to keep him behind.

"Then as the race went on we became stronger and I felt more comfortable with the balance of the car and could look after my tyres. Very pleased with that."

Hamilton called his own achievement "the best result I've had in a long time" after failing to finish above seventh in any of the first four Grands Prix. His impressive finish comes after he issued words of warning in the light of his second place in a challenging qualifying session.

What are your expectations for the Chinese Grand Prix? Have your say in the comments section

"I'm so happy - as soon as I saw the rain coming I got excited because, in dry conditions, we're not quick enough," Hamilton said on Friday. "When the rain came in I thought I'd have a better opportunity, and that's when it all came together."

He credited his qualifying performance for his ability to thrive in the race itself. "The race was tough and if I was further back I would have struggled to progress, I found a lot about this car through this short stint so I am excited about tomorrow," he explained.

The 2024 Chinese Grand Prix is the first in the country since back in 2019. Hamilton will have fond memories of that particular race, having come home in first ahead of his then Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas.

Hamilton is in his final Mercedes season ahead of a Ferrari switch in 2025, but didn't take kindly to a reporter's question about needing to vindicate the move with his performances this season. "I don't feel like I need my decision vindicating. I know what was right for me, and that hasn't changed since the moment that I made the decision," he said.

"There has not been a moment where I questioned it, and I'm not swayed by other people's comments. Even today, there's people continuing to talk s**t and it will continue on for the rest of the year."