‘Extremely close’ as Hamilton tops in practice
SHANGHAI: Lewis Hamilton set the pace for Mercedes in free practice on Friday at the Chinese Grand Prix but fierce rivals Ferrari were just a whisker behind as the teams headed for another clash in this weekend’s race. The British reigning world champion topped the time sheet with a best lap of one minute and 33.482 seconds in Shanghai, just .007 seconds ahead of Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen in windy, moist conditions.
Hamilton’s teammate Valtteri Bottas was third, followed by season points leader Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari. The annual battle between the sport’s two giants has taken on an unexpected complexion, with Mercedes anxious for a win in Shanghai after Vettel stunned the champions with wins in both Australia and Bahrain.
A mere 0.108 seconds separated the top four in Friday’s practice. Hamilton said it was “good to see all the times so close.”
“But it means that we really need to bring our A game. We need everyone in the team to be on it throughout the weekend because it’s a joint effort.”
Added Bottas: “It’s looking extremely close again with them (Ferrari) so I think tomorrow is going to be a close qualifying and for sure Sunday as well.”
Both Vettel and Hamilton are chasing a fifth world title this year. Mercedes are hopeful they can get things back on track on a Shanghai circuit where Hamilton is tough to beat. The Englishman is easily the most successful driver in the 14-year history of the Chinese race with five wins.
MCLAREN FINED
McLaren have been fined 5,000 euros after the team’s Belgian driver Stoffel Vandoorne was released from the pits with a loose wheel during practice. Vandoorne brought his McLaren to a halt in the closing stages of the second 90-minute session. “I need to stop the car, the tyre is not on,” reported the 26-year-old before climbing out and helping marshals push his car to safety.
Stewards said McLaren had released Vandoorne from the pits in an unsafe condition. They decided to limit the punishment to a fine, however, with Vandoorne escaping a grid penalty because he had stopped the car in a safe manner.