Chinese Grand Prix 2026: Kimi Antonelli defeats Russell

Russell’s attempts to overtake Ferrari were complicated as Hamilton and Leclerc stuck together as they fought for supremacy within the team.

Hamilton led the way in the early part of the race and led a train containing Leclerc and Russell for eight laps after the restart after the safety car arrived.

But on Lap 23, Leclerc made a late move on Hamilton into Turn 14 at the end of the back straight, setting up a heated battle over the next 15 laps.

After Leclerc took second, the Ferraris went side by side through the turn one complex, and Leclerc just hung on, before Hamilton regained second place at a hairpin on the following lap.

Leclerc passed him again at the start of the next lap, before Hamilton attacked at Turn 6 and then passed his teammate again at Turn 9, but Leclerc made the pass again.

This time, their battle allowed Russell to get closer, passing Hamilton on the straight on lap 27 and then Leclerc at the same place two laps later.

But once Russell was gone, Leclerc and Hamilton returned to their own fight.

Leclerc appeared to have won the race as Hamilton led for a few laps, but the seven-time champion regained third place on lap 35.

Leclerc was not finished yet and passed Hamilton into Turn 14 four laps later, but Hamilton re-entered Turn 1 on the following lap.

That prompted Leclerc to come on the radio and say: “It’s actually a very interesting fight.” This time Hamilton won, pulling away from his teammate.

“It was one of the most enjoyable races I’ve had for a very long time,” Hamilton said afterwards.