Championship leader Lewis Hamilton hopes to add a fourth Chinese Grand Prix win to his racing record in order to bounce back from a challenging Malaysian weekend.
The reigning world champion had comfortably led home Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg in Melbourne’s season-opener but was defeated by Sebastian Vettel two weeks later.
Having to cope with high tyre degradation and so-so balance on race day, Hamilton did not have the pace to close the gap to his Ferrari rival around the Sepang International Circuit.
“Malaysia was a tough weekend,” said the 30-year-old Briton. “It always is with the heat - but with car problems on Friday, rain during qualifying on Saturday and a race which didn't go to plan on Sunday, this one was particularly challenging.
“I think ultimately we made the best choices we could - but there is always room for improvement and we've been working hard to analyse everything for the next race in China.”
A three-time victor in Shanghai (2008, 2011, 2014), Hamilton hopes he can return to winning ways as early as this weekend and increase the 3-point advantage he currently holds over second-placed Vettel in the Drivers’ standings.
“(Shanghi) is a different challenge to Albert Park and Sepang - but it's one I really enjoy and it suits my driving style quite well. I won the race last year and have only finished outside of the podium places twice, so the target is definitely to build on that and get back to the front.”
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