Flawless Leclerc dominates Virtual China Grand Prix

©Ferrari

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Charles Leclerc enjoyed a lights-to-flag win in Shanghai on Sunday, the Ferrari driver collecting his second consecutive triumph in Formula 1's Virtual Grand Prix series.

While it was a clear-cut performance from Leclerc, runner-up Alex Albon was never far behind, the Red Bull charger - who also started on the front row - snapping at the Monegasque's heels at the outset of the 29-lap race and briefly taking the lead during the mandator pit stop rotations.

Second iRacing win for Simon Pagenaud at Motegi

In the end however, Albon took the checkered flag 2.5s behind his rival.

Virtual Bahrain GP winner and local hero Guanyu Zhou secured the final spot on the podium thanks to a five-second penalty handed to Stoffel Vandoorne and which demoted the Mercedes driver to fifth.

©Formula1

Williams George Russell, who had initially qualified second but was forced to start fifth because of a penalty for blocking in qualifying, clocked in fourth.

The Briton had opted for an out-of-sync strategy relative to his rivals, pitting after just three laps to take on a set of hard tyres, a choice that put him on a charge in the closing stages of the event. Esteban Gutierrez rounded off the top six.

Virtual GP debutant Carlos Sainz finished just outside the top-ten for his online debut, but the Spaniard's race was undermined by a first lap crash, while technical issues dogged his McLaren teammate Lando Norris who failed to complete a single lap in Shanghai.

A special mention goes to Alfa's Juan Manuel Correa, another Virtual GP rookie, who held off Real Madrid goalie Thibuat Courtois for P14.

Shortly after the race was finished, Leclerc tweeted his satisfaction with a job well done while lamenting the underwhelming post-race celebrations.

"I'm actually enjoying very much playing, and streaming," he wrote. "And I enjoy it even more when I win. But the post race celebrations are somehow feeling a bit different.

"Switching off the computer and go cook white pasta is a bit less glamour than spraying champagne on the podium."

But look at the bright side Charles, no tiring post-race media duties!

©Formula1

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.