Hamilton vows to strike back in China

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.”

Click here for an interesting take on putting new drivers in third cars. 

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