2017 F1 Chinese Grand Prix, Round 2 race – Verstappen climbs from 16th to third as Hamilton takes fifth China win

The Chinese Grand Prix took place at the Shanghai International Circuit on 9 April 2017. Damp patches remained on the track on Sunday and drivers made different starting-tyre choices. Hamilton held the lead from pole position, while Ferrari’s Vettel stayed close in the opening laps.

Verstappen made rapid progress after starting 16th, using the available grip and overtaking opportunities to gain positions in succession. He was already contesting the leading places early in the race and rejoined the podium battle after his pit stop, becoming the most conspicuous driver charging through the field.

Giovinazzi crashed near the main straight on lap 4, bringing out the safety car. Bottas subsequently spun in the safety-car queue and lost positions. The leading group adjusted its tyres as the track gradually dried, making the timing of the switch to slicks crucial to the race.

Sainz took a substantial risk by choosing dry-weather tyres for the start. As the racing line dried, his strategy paid off and he ran among the leaders. Damp patches remained, requiring drivers to balance grip and tyre warm-up.

Vettel and Ricciardo made wheel-to-wheel contact while fighting for position, and both continued. Vettel subsequently completed the pass to secure second place for Ferrari. Ricciardo eventually finished fourth and Räikkönen fifth, with the leading positions gradually settling after several direct battles.

Hamilton remained in command and crossed the line first in 1 hour 37 minutes 36.158 seconds, claiming his first win of the season and his fifth Chinese Grand Prix victory. Vettel finished second, 6.250 seconds behind, while Verstappen took third at a gap of 45.192 seconds, ahead of Red Bull team-mate Ricciardo in fourth.

The remaining points scorers were Räikkönen, Bottas, Sainz, Magnussen, Pérez and Ocon. Stroll, Giovinazzi, Alonso, Kvyat and Vandoorne retired. Ericsson completed 55 laps, one lap behind the winner, and finished 15th. A total of 15 drivers finished the race.

The table below gives Formula 1’s official final race classification. Finishers are listed with their total time or gap to the winner and their points. Lap counts are shown for the drivers who retired, with points recorded according to the official result. Hamilton won, Vettel finished second and Verstappen took third after starting 16th.