Russell beats Ferrari to win Shanghai F1 Sprint

Shanghai: Mercedes George Russell held off a challenge from Ferrari to convert pole position into victory in an entertaining first Sprint race of the...

Shanghai: Mercedes' George Russell held off a challenge from Ferrari to convert pole position into victory in an entertaining first Sprint race of the 2026 Formula 1 season.

After setting the fastest time in Friday's qualifying session, Russell held his lead into the first corner but was overtaken by Lewis Hamilton on the back straight. The move sparked an early duel between the two Britons, who traded positions while deploying their battery power at different points on the Shanghai International Circuit.

Russell, however, appeared to manage his tyres better and regained a lead he would keep to the chequered flag by lap five.

Hamilton then faded and was passed by Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, but the Monegasque was unable to close Russell's advantage, which had grown to 4.4 seconds by lap 12.

A safety car on lap 13 briefly threatened to disrupt the order as the leading runners all pitted for fresh tyres. Russell maintained his lead at the restart and crossed the line just 0.6 seconds ahead of a charging Leclerc.