Duel between the Reds in the Sprint
After battling for a long time with Mercedes’ George Russell for first position, Lewis Hamilton experienced tire degradation and Charles Leclerc took advantage to snatch second position from him. The two Ferraris put on a great fight, with the two Reds finding themselves wheel to wheel, fortunately without touching.
Leclerc then finished second, ahead of teammate Hamilton.
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How close was this! 🤯
Leclerc and Hamilton did not leave much margin between them in this battle 👀#F1Sprint #ChineseGP pic.twitter.com/wl5KzEKEI9
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— Formula 1 (@F1) March 14, 2026
Sparks but zero controversy
Regarding Lewis Hamilton‘s defense, Charles Leclerc had something to say over the radio in those frantic moments. The Monegasque had animatedly pointed out how the seven-time world champion had not left him much space during the overtaking maneuver.
From Leclerc however, no ‘cold’ controversy, given that at the end of the Sprint – asked specifically about this episode – he explained: “No, I haven’t spoken with Lewis, but everything is fine.”
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