Lewis Hamilton set alight his Ferrari career by securing his first victory in red with a pole-to-flag victory in the sprint race in China.

It was emphatic, too, nearly seven seconds ahead of second-placed Oscar Piastri of McLaren, and greeted by hue cheers in the sun-baked stands.

The seven-time world champion, racing for the Italian giants for only the second time, was a picture of composure as he ransacked the best memories of his past to hold off his arch-nemesis Max Verstappen, starting second, at the start. He moved slightly right to cover the onrushing Red Bull, and the win looked on from that point.

Verstappen’s second place took him within two points behind Norris at the top of the drivers’ standings ahead of today’s qualifying session for tomorrow’s Chinese Grand Prix for real.