F1 sprint race sees George Russell claim victory at Chinese Grand Prix

Mercedes driver George Russell secured victory in the F1 sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix after an intense early battle with Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton.

According to reports, Russell and Hamilton exchanged positions five times within the opening five laps before Russell managed to take control of the race.

The Mercedes driver pulled away from the field to claim a comfortable win in the sprint event.

Hamilton initially held second place but later lost the position to Ferrari team mate Charles Leclerc three laps after Russell passed him for the lead.

The Ferrari drivers finished second and third respectivly.

The race featured further drama later when a safety car brought the field closer together and briefly reshuffled the running order .

During the restart period, Hamilton momentarily dropped behind McLaren driver Lando Norris. However, the seven time world champion regained the place by overtaking around the outside of Turn One on the following lap.

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli finished fifth despite a difficult race and dropped from fourth to eighth after a slow start and then served a 10 second penalty for causing a collision with Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar on the opening lap.