Rosberg is still uncatchable
Nico Rosberg’s supremacy in 2016 Formula 1 championship continues. Mercedes driver won the Chinese Grand Prix what is his third consecutive victory this year and sixth in-a-row in the championship.
This was the most interesting race this season so far, with many overtaking and interesting battles from the first to the last lap, especially in the middle of the grid.
Stormy start of the race
The start of the race at Shanghai International Circuit was extremely interesting. Daniel Ricciardo took the lead from Rosberg at turn 1, while Daniil Kvyat moved up to third. Both Ferraris started poorly. Kimi Raikkonen slid out after making a mistake which caused chaos while Vettel dropped to 9th position after contact with his teammate. Romain Grosjean and Lewis Hamilton also were in problems as their cars were damaged in the mess and they both had to pit early.
2016 Chinese Grand Prix
Unlucky Ricciardo and aggressive Vettel
Sadly, Ricciardo’s lead didn’t last long after a puncture on the rear left tyre of his Red Bull. Luckily, he was near the pit and managed to continue the race. Safety car went out on the track and many drivers decided to change tyres during yellow flag what caused many changes in the standings. Rosberg still was on the top, followed by Kvyat, Felipe Massa, Fernando Alonso and Vettel who drove aggressively and moved up lap after lap. The same tried to do Hamilton who was battling for 10th with Ricciardo.
Vettel overtakes Alonso during Chinese Grand Prix
Rosberg in full control
At half stage of the race, Rosberg was well ahead of Kvyat and Vettel, but the battle for places in points zone was completely opened as the gaps were small and teams tactic was very important. Reigning champion Hamilton was battling in the middle of the grid but he looked somehow uninterested in pushing harder.
Hamilton completely out of form
That was obvious 10 laps before the end when he was overtaken by Raikkonen in the battle for sixth place. In a meantime, Vettel moved up to second and Kvyat to the third position. Mercedes driver and championship leader clinched another victory without pressure, Vettel finished second what is an excellent result knowing all the troubles he had in this race while Kvyat scored a first podium finish in 2016.
Daniel Ricciardo and Daniil Kvyat, 2016 Chinese Grand Prix
Daniel Ricciardo had to settle for fourth place, Raikkonen finished fifth and Felipe Massa sixth. Hamilton finished seventh with a bit of luck while Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz Jr and Valtteri Bottas scored remaining points.
Click for the complete results from F1 Chinese Grand Prix
Photo: formula1.com
