Daijiworld Media Network - Shanghai

Shanghai, Mar 23: Oscar Piastri bounced back from his late-race mishap at the Australian Grand Prix by delivering a flawless performance at the Chinese Grand Prix, securing victory from pole position and leading a commanding McLaren 1-2 finish alongside teammate Lando Norris.

Piastri controlled the 56-lap race at the Shanghai International Circuit from start to finish, showcasing impeccable racecraft in a strategic battle that revolved around pit stop choices. Most of the field, including the top five finishers, opted for a single pit stop, allowing Piastri to build and manage his lead over Norris and cross the finish line in dominant fashion, firmly establishing himself as a title contender.

Norris kept within striking distance of Piastri but was forced to manage a late-race brake issue, prompting McLaren to instruct him to hold position and secure the team’s perfect result. His minor struggles allowed George Russell to momentarily challenge for second place during the pit stop phase, but Norris ultimately had the pace to regain the position and hold off the Mercedes driver.

Max Verstappen, who had anticipated a tough race for Red Bull following their Sprint struggles, finished fourth, maintaining his starting position. He ended the race ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, who tangled dramatically on the opening lap. Leclerc carried on with a damaged front wing, while Hamilton, the only front-runner to execute a two-stop strategy, showcased impressive speed but fell short of making up lost ground.

Haas enjoyed a strong result as Esteban Ocon delivered a stellar drive to finish seventh, ahead of Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli. Alex Albon led Williams’ charge in ninth, followed by his teammate Ollie Bearman, who managed to keep Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll outside the points.

Carlos Sainz continued to struggle in his adaptation to Williams machinery, finishing 13th, while Racing Bulls’ Isack Hadjar took 14th after a late incident with Jack Doohan, which resulted in a penalty for the Alpine driver. Red Bull’s Liam Lawson endured a disappointing race in 15th, finishing ahead of Doohan, Kick Sauber duo Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hulkenberg, and Racing Bulls’ Yuki Tsunoda, who suffered front wing damage and had to make an additional pit stop. Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso retired early due to brake issues, capping off a tough weekend for Aston Martin.