SHANGHAI (AP) – Lewis Hamilton put Mercedes back on top in Formula One, leading for most of the race on Sunday to capture his fourth Chinese Grand Prix victory.
Hamilton made sure there would be no repeat of Ferrari’s surprising win two weeks ago at the Malaysian Grand Prix, conserving his tires to withstand a challenge by the Italian team’s Sebastian Vettel and easily capture the 35th win of his career.
Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg finished second and Vettel was third.
“We knew that the Ferraris were very, very good with their long-run pace and also looking after their tires so today the real goal was to manage the tires and my goal was to look after my car,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton’s tire-conservation strategy ensured he could open up a sizeable lead over Vettel after the second pit stop, but a clearly angry Rosberg voiced frustration after the race that Hamilton had held him back as a result.