Lewis Hamilton edged Charles Leclerc for third place in an intense on-track duel during the Chinese Grand Prix at Shanghai International Circuit. The battle, which saw Hamilton claim his first Ferrari podium, prompted criticism from 1997 champion Jacques Villeneuve for being too aggressive. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur admitted to feeling scared but praised his drivers' professionalism.
The Chinese Grand Prix featured Mercedes securing first and second places with Kimi Antonelli and George Russell. Hamilton briefly led on lap one before Antonelli overtook, and the Ferraris battled Russell early on and for over 15 laps after a safety car period. Hamilton and Leclerc then fought for the final podium spot for most of the race, with Hamilton pulling ahead decisively on lap 40 to finish 3.6 seconds ahead in third, while Leclerc took fourth. New power unit rules contributed to the close racing through energy management tactics. Villeneuve, speaking to Sky Sports F1, said of Hamilton's moves: 'Well, it was fair because he finished third... but it was a little bit extreme, and it destroyed Ferrari's race. They were running second and third.' He added: 'He did it on the braking, quite late, and then they were fighting so hard, destroying their tyres, and in those two laps they lost five seconds to Antonelli.' Jamie Chadwick disagreed, noting Ferrari focused on Mercedes ahead and praising Hamilton's racecraft: 'To have good race craft, you have to have good awareness, and I think that part I quite like... That's what got him his podium today.' Vasseur told Sky Germany: 'I have to be honest, sometimes you are a bit scared, but I trust them that they were in control.' Leclerc enjoyed the fight: 'I really enjoyed it... it was a very fair, hard but fair battle... Lewis was just stronger.' Hamilton called it one of his most enjoyable F1 races.
