Max Verstappen, the triple world champion aged 26, clinched victory at Formula 1’s first Chinese Grand Prix in five years, marking his fourth win in five races in 2024. The Dutch driver’s dominant performance from pole position at the Shanghai circuit, combined with a triumph in the season’s inaugural Saturday sprint, solidified his position as the frontrunner in the championship battle.
Verstappen’s comfortable victory, 13.773 seconds ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris, denied Red Bull a coveted one-two finish. Mexican teammate Sergio Perez, Verstappen’s closest rival in the championship standings, settled for third place, now trailing by 25 points.
The race, characterized by two safety car periods, saw Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz clinch fourth and fifth positions respectively, with Mercedes’ George Russell securing sixth and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso claiming seventh along with the bonus point for the fastest lap.
Verstappen’s triumph marked his 58th career victory, making Shanghai the 26th circuit where he has emerged victorious. Reflecting on his performance, Verstappen expressed delight with his car’s performance, describing it as “on rails” and emphasizing his control throughout the race.
Meanwhile, Norris’s impressive second-place finish ensured that China witnessed the first race of the season without one team securing a one-two finish. Starting from fourth on the grid, Norris exceeded expectations, earning his 15th career podium and garnering recognition as the Driver of the Day.
The post-race celebrations were not without their comedic moments as Norris mistakenly returned to the pit lane instead of parking alongside Verstappen and Perez. Nevertheless, the Briton’s stellar performance and unexpected podium finish added to the excitement of the race.
The race also held significance for Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu, competing in his first home Grand Prix, despite finishing 14th. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri secured eighth place, while Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton showcased his resilience by climbing from 18th on the grid to ninth. Nico Hulkenberg claimed the final point for Haas, rounding off an eventful and captivating Chinese Grand Prix.
