Max Verstappen denies Lewis Hamilton Chinese GP sprint win

Max Verstappen denied Lewis Hamilton the first sprint win of his career after passing his rival to win at the Chinese Grand Prix on Saturday.

Hamilton started second at the Shanghai International Circuit, beat pole-sitter Lando Norris off the line and took control of the 19-lap charge to the chequered flag.

However, Verstappen, who started fourth, ended Hamilton's dream of re-entering the winner's enclosure for the first time in 867 days when he sped past the Mercedes driver on the ninth lap.

Verstappen crossed the line 13 seconds clear of Hamilton with Sergio Perez taking third.

McLaren's Norris started on pole position but slid wide on the opening lap as he battled with Hamilton and ended up sixth. Team mate Oscar Piastri was seventh and Mercedes' George Russell eighth for the final point.

Verstappen struggled initially before passing Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso, who retired with a puncture and damage after a wheel-banging battle with Sainz, on lap seven and then Hamilton two laps later.

Hamilton