Three Formula One team staff members have been isolated at the Australian Grand Prix while tests are conducted for the new coronavirus, officials said Wednesday, casting a shadow over the opening race of the year.

Two were from the Haas F1 team and one from McLaren.

"Two personnel were showing some symptoms so they got themselves checked out and have put themselves into self-isolation, as they should, while they await results," a Haas official told AFP.

A McLaren official added: "We can confirm that one team member has self-isolated in the hotel as a precaution, in line with our policy, after showing symptoms similar to coronavirus.

"We expect to receive the results overnight. The team is operating as per our normal schedule."

They were tested at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne as the teams prepare for the race on Sunday. It is not clear what it might mean for the grand prix if the results are positive.

Victorian state Premier Daniel Andrews on Tuesday said it was only a matter of time before large sporting and cultural events were cancelled, but that that stage had not been reached yet.

Read More:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-gp-hamilton-secures-pole-vettel-second-13784/amp"> Australian GP: Hamilton secures pole, Vettel second</a>

Earlier this week, Australian Grand Prix Corporation boss Andrew Westacott ruled out the race following the lead of Bahrain by barring spectators, with hundreds of thousands expected over the weekend.

The Chinese Grand Prix is the only race to be postponed so far, although the first three stops on the MotoGP calendar, in Qatar, Thailand and the United States, have been either delayed or cancelled.

Selfie ban:

All Formula One teams are in Australia, including powerhouse Ferrari and AlphaTauri from their bases in Italy, which is now in lockdown to halt the spread of the disease.

Australia banned travel from Italy Wednesday and opened a US$1.6 billion healthcare war chest in a bid to slow the spread of coronavirus, as locally detected infections hit 124. Three people have died. Victoria state, where the race is being held, has 21 infections.

Read More: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-takes-pole-at-australian-grand-prix-203692">Lewis Hamilton takes pole at Australian Grand Prix</a>

With concerns growing, race chiefs said drivers would not take part in autograph sessions or pose for selfies, while Renault's Daniel Ricciardo and Esteban Ocon pulled out of scheduled press conference Wednesday.

"Our drivers were supposed to be with us for this event but due to the situation we've excused them for the occasion. I hope you understand why we are taking such measures," team principal Cyril Abiteboul said.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/motor-racing-verstappen-wins-brazil-gp-thriller-as-ferraris-collide-262825">Motor racing: Verstappen wins Brazil GP thriller as Ferraris collide</a>

Over the weekend, Formula One's governing body, the International Automobile Federation, said it was establishing what it called a "crisis cell" to meet every two days to monitor the rapidly increasing global threat posed by the virus.

"The FIA will evaluate the calendar of its forthcoming competitions and take any action required to help protect the global motor sport community and the wider public, including the postponement of competitions where necessary,"

Three Formula One team staff members have been isolated at the Australian Grand Prix while tests are conducted for the new coronavirus, officials said Wednesday, casting a shadow over the opening race of the year.

Three Formula One team staff members have been isolated at the Australian Grand Prix while tests are conducted for the new coronavirus, officials said Wednesday, casting a shadow over the opening race of the year. Two were from the Haas F1 team and one from McLaren. "Two personnel were showing some symptoms so they got themselves checked out and have put themselves into self-isolation, as they should, while they await results," a Haas official told AFP. A McLaren official added: "We can confirm that one team member has self-isolated in the hotel as a precaution, in line with our policy, after showing symptoms similar to coronavirus. "We expect to receive the results overnight. The team is operating as per our normal schedule." They were tested at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne as the teams prepare for the race on Sunday. It is not clear what it might mean for the grand prix if the results are positive. Victorian state Premier Daniel Andrews on Tuesday said it was only a matter of time before large sporting and cultural events were cancelled, but that that stage had not been reached yet. Read More: Australian GP: Hamilton secures pole, Vettel second Earlier this week, Australian Grand Prix Corporation boss Andrew Westacott ruled out the race following the lead of Bahrain by barring spectators, with hundreds of thousands expected over the weekend. The Chinese Grand Prix is the only race to be postponed so far, although the first three stops on the MotoGP calendar, in Qatar, Thailand and the United States, have been either delayed or cancelled. Selfie ban: All Formula One teams are in Australia, including powerhouse Ferrari and AlphaTauri from their bases in Italy, which is now in lockdown to halt the spread of the disease. Australia banned travel from Italy Wednesday and opened a US$1.6 billion healthcare war chest in a bid to slow the spread of coronavirus, as locally detected infections hit 124. Three people have died. Victoria state, where the race is being held, has 21 infections. Read More: Lewis Hamilton takes pole at Australian Grand Prix With concerns growing, race chiefs said drivers would not take part in autograph sessions or pose for selfies, while Renault's Daniel Ricciardo and Esteban Ocon pulled out of scheduled press conference Wednesday. "Our drivers were supposed to be with us for this event but due to the situation we've excused them for the occasion. I hope you understand why we are taking such measures," team principal Cyril Abiteboul said. Also Read: Motor racing: Verstappen wins Brazil GP thriller as Ferraris collide Over the weekend, Formula One's governing body, the International Automobile Federation, said it was establishing what it called a "crisis cell" to meet every two days to monitor the rapidly increasing global threat posed by the virus. "The FIA will evaluate the calendar of its forthcoming competitions and take any action required to help protect the global motor sport community and the wider public, including the postponement of competitions where necessary,"

Formula One team staff tested for virus at Australian GP

Ferrari Formula One boss Mattia Binotto Tuesday urged his team to "put a smile on people's faces" at the Australian Grand Prix as Italy went into lockdown to combat coronavirus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/all-italian-sporting-events-including-serie-a-suspended-due-to-coronavirus-outbreak-285360" hreflang="en">All Italian sporting events including Serie A suspended due to coronavirus outbreak</a>

Most teams, including the Scuderia, are already in Melbourne or en route for the opening race of the year on Sunday, which organisers have said will go ahead as scheduled in front of packed grandstands despite the coronavirus outbreak.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serie-a-fixture-delayed-due-to-confusion-over-italian-sports-ministers-post-calling-for-suspension-of-league-285134" hreflang="en">Serie A: Fixture delayed due to confusion over Italian Sports Minister's post calling for suspension of league</a>

In contrast, all sporting events in Italy have been suspended until April 3 as part of tough measures announced by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Monday to tackle the disease, and Bahrain, the season's second race, has barred fans.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/inter-milan-chairman-zhang-lashes-out-on-serie-a-chairman-over-coronavirus-284172">Inter Milan chairman Zhang lashes out on Serie A chairman over coronavirus</a>

Italy's clampdown came into force after the country reported 97 more deaths on Monday, taking its toll to 463. Australia has recorded three deaths with 101 confirmed cases as of Tuesday morning.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/f1-bahrain-grand-prix-will-be-held-with-no-spectators-due-to-coronavirus-fears-285163" hreflang="en">F1: Bahrain Grand Prix will be held with no spectators due to coronavirus fears</a>

Ferarri said in a statement that despite it being "a very difficult time in Italy" the Australian Grand Prix would start as planned and the Scuderia "will be there".

Binotto added that he hoped the Maranello-based team, and the Grand Prix weekend as a whole, could help take people's minds off the crisis.

"At what is a difficult time for Italy and the world as a whole, as part of a global sport, it is our obligation to try and put a smile on people's faces as they prepare to watch the first race of the season with the same sense of anticipation as ourselves," he said.

Ferrari head into the season with a new SF1000 car, which is narrower than last season's SF90, and with a deeper red colouring.

The team is pinning its hopes on the machine earning the drivers' and constructors' titles that have eluded them for 12 and 11 years respectively.

"After a long winter working on building and developing our car, the time has come to get the first indication of our performance level and how effective are the improvements we have introduced over the past few months," said Binotto.

"We know that the opposition is strong, but we also know that it is the start of a long season where development rate, reliability, and our operational effectiveness will be key."

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc, who impressed on his debut last season, will again be in the cockpits.

Vettel said he was keen to get racing underway after pre-season testing in Spain suggested world champions Mercedes would be the team to beat once more.

"The first race of the season is always special and I think it will allow us to get a better idea than we had in testing as to what the hierarchy is between the teams," said the German.

He added that the Albert Park track was "a real technical challenge and that's probably the reason we drivers like it so much".&nbsp;

Ferrari has nine wins in Australia, the first through Gerhard Berger in 1987 and the last from Vettel in 2018.

Ferrari Formula One boss Mattia Binotto Tuesday urged his team to "put a smile on people's faces" at the Australian Grand Prix as Italy went into lockdown to combat coronavirus.

Ferrari Formula One boss Mattia Binotto Tuesday urged his team to "put a smile on people's faces" at the Australian Grand Prix as Italy went into lockdown to combat coronavirus. Also read: All Italian sporting events including Serie A suspended due to coronavirus outbreak Most teams, including the Scuderia, are already in Melbourne or en route for the opening race of the year on Sunday, which organisers have said will go ahead as scheduled in front of packed grandstands despite the coronavirus outbreak. Also read: Serie A: Fixture delayed due to confusion over Italian Sports Minister's post calling for suspension of league In contrast, all sporting events in Italy have been suspended until April 3 as part of tough measures announced by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Monday to tackle the disease, and Bahrain, the season's second race, has barred fans. Also read: Inter Milan chairman Zhang lashes out on Serie A chairman over coronavirus Italy's clampdown came into force after the country reported 97 more deaths on Monday, taking its toll to 463. Australia has recorded three deaths with 101 confirmed cases as of Tuesday morning. Also read: F1: Bahrain Grand Prix will be held with no spectators due to coronavirus fears Ferarri said in a statement that despite it being "a very difficult time in Italy" the Australian Grand Prix would start as planned and the Scuderia "will be there". Binotto added that he hoped the Maranello-based team, and the Grand Prix weekend as a whole, could help take people's minds off the crisis. "At what is a difficult time for Italy and the world as a whole, as part of a global sport, it is our obligation to try and put a smile on people's faces as they prepare to watch the first race of the season with the same sense of anticipation as ourselves," he said. Ferrari head into the season with a new SF1000 car, which is narrower than last season's SF90, and with a deeper red colouring. The team is pinning its hopes on the machine earning the drivers' and constructors' titles that have eluded them for 12 and 11 years respectively. "After a long winter working on building and developing our car, the time has come to get the first indication of our performance level and how effective are the improvements we have introduced over the past few months," said Binotto. "We know that the opposition is strong, but we also know that it is the start of a long season where development rate, reliability, and our operational effectiveness will be key." Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc, who impressed on his debut last season, will again be in the cockpits. Vettel said he was keen to get racing underway after pre-season testing in Spain suggested world champions Mercedes would be the team to beat once more. "The first race of the season is always special and I think it will allow us to get a better idea than we had in testing as to what the hierarchy is between the teams," said the German. He added that the Albert Park track was "a real technical challenge and that's probably the reason we drivers like it so much". Ferrari has nine wins in Australia, the first through Gerhard Berger in 1987 and the last from Vettel in 2018.

Formula One: Ferrari wants to put 'smiles on faces' as Italy locks down

Fernando Alonso will race for Arrow McLaren SP at this year's Indianapolis 500 where the Spaniard will try to complete motor sport's 'Triple Crown' with a victory, the team announced on Tuesday.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/new-hot-wheels-that-will-mesmerise-fans-on-tracks-of-formula-one-2020-281517">New hot wheels that will mesmerise fans on F-1 tracks this year</a>&nbsp;

Alonso is hoping to become only the second driver after the late Briton Graham Hill to complete the so-called 'Triple Crown of Motorsport', having already secured wins at the Monaco Grand Prix and Le Mans 24 Hours.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chinese-f1-grand-prix-postponed-due-to-continued-spread-of-novel-coronavirus-280489">Chinese F1 Grand Prix postponed due to coronavirus</a>

"I am a racer and the Indy 500 is the greatest race in the world. I love the incredible fans who make it so special for all of us drivers and make me want to come back," Alonso, 38, said in a news release.

"I have maximum respect for this race and everyone who competes in it and all I want to do is race against them and give my best, as always."

Alonso made his debut at the famous oval circuit in 2017 when he led for 27 laps but finished a frustrating 24th after suffering a blown engine with 21 laps to go.

The double Formula One champion did not return for the 2018 edition and last year failed to qualify.

At Indianapolis, he will guide his new team's two young full-time drivers, American Oliver Askew and Mexico's Pato O'Ward.

"It was important for me to explore my options for this race but Arrow McLaren SP has always been at the top," said Alonso.

"I have a special relationship with McLaren; we've been through a lot together and that creates a bond, a loyalty that is strong."

Fernando Alonso will race for Arrow McLaren SP at this year's Indianapolis 500 where the Spaniard will try to complete motor sport's 'Triple Crown' with a victory, the team announced on Tuesday.

Fernando Alonso will race for Arrow McLaren SP at this year's Indianapolis 500 where the Spaniard will try to complete motor sport's 'Triple Crown' with a victory, the team announced on Tuesday. Also see: New hot wheels that will mesmerise fans on F-1 tracks this year Alonso is hoping to become only the second driver after the late Briton Graham Hill to complete the so-called 'Triple Crown of Motorsport', having already secured wins at the Monaco Grand Prix and Le Mans 24 Hours. Also read: Chinese F1 Grand Prix postponed due to coronavirus "I am a racer and the Indy 500 is the greatest race in the world. I love the incredible fans who make it so special for all of us drivers and make me want to come back," Alonso, 38, said in a news release. "I have maximum respect for this race and everyone who competes in it and all I want to do is race against them and give my best, as always." Alonso made his debut at the famous oval circuit in 2017 when he led for 27 laps but finished a frustrating 24th after suffering a blown engine with 21 laps to go. The double Formula One champion did not return for the 2018 edition and last year failed to qualify. At Indianapolis, he will guide his new team's two young full-time drivers, American Oliver Askew and Mexico's Pato O'Ward. "It was important for me to explore my options for this race but Arrow McLaren SP has always been at the top," said Alonso. "I have a special relationship with McLaren; we've been through a lot together and that creates a bond, a loyalty that is strong."

Spanish racing driver Alonso joins Arrow McLaren for Indianapolis 500

New hot wheels that will mesmerise fans on F-1 tracks this year

Sachin Tendulkar's famous lap in Wankhede after 2011 ICC World Cup win has been awarded the prestigious Laureus Award. After ICC World Cup final win, Tendulkar was carried on the shoulders of his teammates.

Sachin Tendulkar's famous lap in Wankhede after 2011 ICC World Cup win has been awarded the prestigious Laureus Award. After ICC World Cup final win, Tendulkar was carried on the shoulders of his teammates. Virat (who was among those who carried Tendulkar), had said that "Tendulkar has carried the burden of the nation for 21 years; It was time we carried him." Also read: Let's all come together and vote for Sachin Tendulkar: Virat Kohli appeals to fans ahead of Laureus Sports Award The moment that had been nominated by the Laureus Sports Foundation was called "Carried On the Shoulder Of A Nation". The foundation launched this category for public voting, and Sachin Tendulkar got the most votes. 🔈 Sound on 🔈 A powerful, strong and moving tribute to a room full of sporting legends from @sachin_rt in honour of Nelson Mandela and the incredible power of sport to unite and inspire 👏#Laureus20 #SportUnitesUs pic.twitter.com/0z3mNatUFh — Laureus (@LaureusSport) February 17, 2020 × The Laureus Sporting Moment Award is for the moments when sports has been a reason for the unification of people. ICC World Cup 2011 was Tendulkar's sixth attempt since 1983, after the win players Sachin Tendulkar had been a key player for the Indian cricket team during his tenure for the Men in Blue (1989-2013) scoring 34,357 runs across all formats. He recently was a part of the 'Bushfire cricket Bash', where he coached Pontings' XI, and also played an over bowled by Ellyse Perry. Six-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton and six-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi jointly won the Sportsman of the Year award, whereas, American Gymnast Simone Biles won the Sportswoman of the Year award. List of winners: Sportsman of the Year: Lewis Hamilton and Lionel Messi Sportswoman of the Year: Simone Biles Team of the Year: South Africa Men's Rugby Team Breakthrough of the Year: Egan Bernal Comeback of the Year: Sophia Floersch Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability: Oksana Masters Action Sportsperson of the Year: Chloe Kim Best Sporting Moment: 'Carried on the shoulders of a nation' – Sachin Tendulkar Lifetime Achievement Award: Dirk Nowitzki Laureus Academy Exceptional Achievement Award: Spanish Basketball Federation Laureus Sport for Good Award: South Bronx United

Sachin Tendulkar wins Laureus Award for Sporting Moment for his 2011 World Cup victory lap

Lewis Hamilton, Lionel Messi, Simon Biles score big at Laureus Awards, here's the list of winners!

Max Verstappen believes he can thwart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../lewis-hamilton-not-ruling-out-a-ferrari-switch- 265758">Lewis Hamilton</a>'s bid for a seventh Formula One title this season if Red Bull gives him the tools to do the job.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/f1-kubica-opens-new-chapter-as-alfa-romeo-reserve-271570">Formula 1: Kubica opens new chapter as Alfa Romeo reserve</a>

The 22-year-old Dutch driver won three races last year, finishing third overall in the championship, and is not about to be awed by anyone's reputation -- even if that person is possibly the greatest driver of all time.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lareus-awards-2020-nominees-for-best-sportsperson-announced-274642">Laureus Awards 2020: Nominees for best Sportsperson announced</a>

"It's very car-dependent of course in Formula One," Verstappen told reporters at a Red Bull team media event on Monday.

"Lewis is very good. He is definitely one of the best out there, but he's not God. Maybe God is with him, but he is not God."

Hamilton, 35, is chasing several records this season including Michael Schumacher's 91 race wins and seven titles and has won five of the last six championships with dominant Mercedes.

"We really want to mount a challenge to especially Mercedes and I think we can do that," said Verstappen, who last month signed a contract extension to the end of 2023 and has a new English trainer and physio for 2020.

He said the new contract had taken away the hassle of being asked all the time about his future, removing another potential distraction.

Verstappen suggested Hamilton could be vulnerable if put under sustained pressure, with the Briton having singled out Verstappen already last year as someone he gave more space to because of his aggressive reputation.

"I'm very much looking forward to it, everybody's fired up and everybody's very motivated. Coming off last year, at the end, we were very competitive," said the Dutch driver.

Team boss Christian Horner said Red Bull, who use Honda engines, would be helped by stable regulations and were looking to apply the lessons learned from 2019 to take the fight to Mercedes and Ferrari.

The new car will have its first track shakedown behind closed doors at Silverstone on Feb 12, with Verstappen and Thai team mate Alexander Albon starting pre-season testing in Barcelona on Feb. 19.

"Honda did such a great job, each introduction of an engine last year brought more performance and more power and it feels we're getting very, very close now to Mercedes," said Horner, whose team were third overall in 2019.

"That therefore puts the emphasis on the chassis side of the team... going into this year we feel better prepared, earlier, than we have certainly in the last five years."

Max Verstappen believes he can thwart Lewis Hamilton's bid for a seventh Formula One title this season if Red Bull gives him the tools to do the job. Also read- Formula 1: Kubica opens new chapter as Alfa Romeo reserve The 22-year-old Dutch driver won three races last year, finishing third overall in the championship, and is not about to be awed by anyone's reputation -- even if that person is possibly the greatest driver of all time.

Max Verstappen believes he can thwart Lewis Hamilton's bid for a seventh Formula One title this season if Red Bull gives him the tools to do the job. Also read- Formula 1: Kubica opens new chapter as Alfa Romeo reserve The 22-year-old Dutch driver won three races last year, finishing third overall in the championship, and is not about to be awed by anyone's reputation -- even if that person is possibly the greatest driver of all time. Also read- Laureus Awards 2020: Nominees for best Sportsperson announced "It's very car-dependent of course in Formula One," Verstappen told reporters at a Red Bull team media event on Monday. "Lewis is very good. He is definitely one of the best out there, but he's not God. Maybe God is with him, but he is not God." Hamilton, 35, is chasing several records this season including Michael Schumacher's 91 race wins and seven titles and has won five of the last six championships with dominant Mercedes. "We really want to mount a challenge to especially Mercedes and I think we can do that," said Verstappen, who last month signed a contract extension to the end of 2023 and has a new English trainer and physio for 2020. He said the new contract had taken away the hassle of being asked all the time about his future, removing another potential distraction. Verstappen suggested Hamilton could be vulnerable if put under sustained pressure, with the Briton having singled out Verstappen already last year as someone he gave more space to because of his aggressive reputation. "I'm very much looking forward to it, everybody's fired up and everybody's very motivated. Coming off last year, at the end, we were very competitive," said the Dutch driver. Team boss Christian Horner said Red Bull, who use Honda engines, would be helped by stable regulations and were looking to apply the lessons learned from 2019 to take the fight to Mercedes and Ferrari. The new car will have its first track shakedown behind closed doors at Silverstone on Feb 12, with Verstappen and Thai team mate Alexander Albon starting pre-season testing in Barcelona on Feb. 19. "Honda did such a great job, each introduction of an engine last year brought more performance and more power and it feels we're getting very, very close now to Mercedes," said Horner, whose team were third overall in 2019. "That therefore puts the emphasis on the chassis side of the team... going into this year we feel better prepared, earlier, than we have certainly in the last five years."

Formula 1: Hamilton is good but he's not God, says Verstappen

Robert&nbsp;Kubica&nbsp;has joined <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sauber-f1-team-changes-name-to-alfa-romeo-racing-194422">Alfa Romeo</a> as their 2020 reserve driver, the role the Pole carried out 14 years ago when he made his Formula One debut with the Swiss-based team then known as BMW Sauber.

The deal announced on Wednesday also sees Polish oil company PKN ORLEN, who backed the 35-year-old's comeback last season at former champions Williams, become a co-title sponsor of the team in a multi-year partnership.

Kubica's big break came in 2006 when he became Poland's first F1 racer, replacing Canada's 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve at BMW Sauber and going on to win with them at the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix.

The Pole, who suffered a near-fatal rally accident in 2011 that partially severed his right arm, scored tail-enders <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/williams-equal-f1-pit-stop-record-834">Williams</a>' only point last year in a remarkable personal comeback clouded by the team's inability to provide a competitive car.

He announced in September that he was leaving and has since been replaced by Canadian Nicholas Latifi, the team's 2019 reserve.

"I'm starting a new chapter in my career by joining Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN. This is a team that has a special place in my heart and it'll be nice to see the familiar faces I still remember from Hinwil," said&nbsp;Kubica&nbsp;in a statement.

"Time and circumstances are obviously different, but I am convinced that I will find the same determination and hunger to succeed."

Kubica&nbsp;had also been linked to the Haas and Racing Point teams who had considered him for a role as a tester and simulator driver.

Ferrari-powered Alfa Romeo's race drivers this year are Finland's 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen and Italian Antonio Giovinazzi, an unchanged lineup from 2019.

Team principal Frederic Vasseur welcomed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/motor-racing-williams-problems-give-kubica-little-time-to-soak-up-comeback-203309">Kubica</a>, who before his accident raced for Renault and was close to becoming a Ferrari driver, back to the Hinwil factory.

"He is a driver that needs no introduction: one of the most brilliant in his generation and one who displayed the true meaning of human determination in his fight to return to racing after his rallying accident," he said.

"His feedback will be invaluable as we continue to push our team towards the front of the grid."

Alfa Romeo finished last season in eighth place with 57 points.

The team said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-iran-squeezed-out-us-oil-takes-on-new-rivals-in-europe-196711">PKN ORLEN</a> branding will feature on the C39 car and all "trackside assets".

Robert Kubica has joined Alfa Romeo as their 2020 reserve driver, the role the Pole carried out 14 years ago when he made his Formula One debut with the Swiss-based team then known as BMW Sauber.

Robert Kubica has joined Alfa Romeo as their 2020 reserve driver, the role the Pole carried out 14 years ago when he made his Formula One debut with the Swiss-based team then known as BMW Sauber. The deal announced on Wednesday also sees Polish oil company PKN ORLEN, who backed the 35-year-old's comeback last season at former champions Williams, become a co-title sponsor of the team in a multi-year partnership. Kubica's big break came in 2006 when he became Poland's first F1 racer, replacing Canada's 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve at BMW Sauber and going on to win with them at the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix. The Pole, who suffered a near-fatal rally accident in 2011 that partially severed his right arm, scored tail-enders Williams' only point last year in a remarkable personal comeback clouded by the team's inability to provide a competitive car. He announced in September that he was leaving and has since been replaced by Canadian Nicholas Latifi, the team's 2019 reserve. "I'm starting a new chapter in my career by joining Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN. This is a team that has a special place in my heart and it'll be nice to see the familiar faces I still remember from Hinwil," said Kubica in a statement. "Time and circumstances are obviously different, but I am convinced that I will find the same determination and hunger to succeed." Kubica had also been linked to the Haas and Racing Point teams who had considered him for a role as a tester and simulator driver. Ferrari-powered Alfa Romeo's race drivers this year are Finland's 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen and Italian Antonio Giovinazzi, an unchanged lineup from 2019. Team principal Frederic Vasseur welcomed Kubica, who before his accident raced for Renault and was close to becoming a Ferrari driver, back to the Hinwil factory. "He is a driver that needs no introduction: one of the most brilliant in his generation and one who displayed the true meaning of human determination in his fight to return to racing after his rallying accident," he said. "His feedback will be invaluable as we continue to push our team towards the front of the grid." Alfa Romeo finished last season in eighth place with 57 points. The team said PKN ORLEN branding will feature on the C39 car and all "trackside assets".

Formula 1: Kubica opens new chapter as Alfa Romeo reserve

It will have been six years since Formula One&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/michael-schumacher-admitted-to-paris-hospital-for-secret-treatment-report-248733">legend Michael Schumacher</a> met with a skiing accident in the French Alps.&nbsp;The accident changed hit the Schumacher family and&nbsp;left the F-1&nbsp;world shocked.

The seven-time champion racing driver suffered brain injuries when he tumbled while skiing in the French alps after he&nbsp;ventured into an unsecured zone. Michael lost balance and fell head-first on a rock.

Even though he had his skiing helmet on, the injury to his brain led doctors to place him on medically induced coma&nbsp;for six months until 16 June 2014.

He left the intensive care ward at the hospital in Grenoble,&nbsp;for further rehabilitation at the University Hospital of Lausanne, in Switzerland.

Since then, Schumacher has shown signs of improvement. After the latest surgery in 2019 in Paris, medical staff stated that Michael Schumacher was "conscious".

However,&nbsp;Schumacher's family has been tight lipped over the former champion's state of health throughout all these years.

Approaching the sixth anniversary of the accident, Michael's wife Corina in a rare event delivered a hopeful message to fans.

"Big things start with small steps. Many small particles can form a huge mosaic," Corinna reportedly told fans.

Despite Schumacher being out of public&nbsp;eye for the greater part of the decade, support for him continues to remain strong, with fans&nbsp;hungry on any scap of information his health.

However, Schumacher's doctors have&nbsp;repotedly said that there are still one to three years left for his recovery to be complete.

It will have been six years since Formula One legend Michael Schumacher met with a skiing accident in the French Alps. The accident changed hit the Schumacher family and left the F-1 world shocked.

It will have been six years since Formula One legend Michael Schumacher met with a skiing accident in the French Alps. The accident changed hit the Schumacher family and left the F-1 world shocked. The seven-time champion racing driver suffered brain injuries when he tumbled while skiing in the French alps after he ventured into an unsecured zone. Michael lost balance and fell head-first on a rock. Even though he had his skiing helmet on, the injury to his brain led doctors to place him on medically induced coma for six months until 16 June 2014. He left the intensive care ward at the hospital in Grenoble, for further rehabilitation at the University Hospital of Lausanne, in Switzerland. Since then, Schumacher has shown signs of improvement. After the latest surgery in 2019 in Paris, medical staff stated that Michael Schumacher was "conscious". However, Schumacher's family has been tight lipped over the former champion's state of health throughout all these years. Approaching the sixth anniversary of the accident, Michael's wife Corina in a rare event delivered a hopeful message to fans. "Big things start with small steps. Many small particles can form a huge mosaic," Corinna reportedly told fans. Despite Schumacher being out of public eye for the greater part of the decade, support for him continues to remain strong, with fans hungry on any scap of information his health. However, Schumacher's doctors have repotedly said that there are still one to three years left for his recovery to be complete.

Big things start with small steps, says Schumacher's wife in rare health update

Renault were&nbsp;stripped of their nine points from the Japanese Grand Prix on Wednesday after Formula One's governing body ruled the cars driven by Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Hulkenberg had illegal driver aids.

Australian Ricciardo and German Hulkenberg were classified sixth and 10th at the October 13 race in Suzuka but the Racing Point team protested against the brake bias system used by the French manufacturer.

The governing FIA announced the outcome in a statement ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix and gave Renault until Thursday to appeal.

Renault acknowledged the decision and did not say whether they would appeal.

"Considering the subjectivity of the qualification of a system as a driver aid and the variability of the associated penalties in recent cases, Renault F1 Team will consider its next course of action within the timeframe laid out by the FIA," the team said.

Renault's points haul in Japan had consolidated their fifth place in the constructors' standings, but their cars' steering wheels and electronic control units were impounded after the race.

The FIA said the stewards concluded after a telephone hearing that the brake bias system "used innovative solutions to exploit certain ambiguities" and did not breach the technical regulations.

They also found that the system was not pre-set or lap distance-dependent as alleged.

The system, however, acted as a driver aid and that was not allowed under the sporting regulations.

"The brake balance adjustment system in question acts as a driver aid, by saving the driver from having to make a number of adjustments during a lap," the statement said.

"The stewards note that there is a clear distinction between this system and one which provides actual feedback control, which would be a substitute for driver skills or reflexes," it added.

"Nevertheless, it is still an aid and, therefore, contravenes."

Renault had argued in their defence that Racing Point could produce no conclusive video evidence and had based their protest on allegations by a former Renault employee who was unaware of all the details.

The disqualification lifts Ferrari's Charles Leclerc to sixth with Toro Rosso's Pierre Gasly and Racing Point's Sergio Perez now seventh and eighth.

Racing Point's Lance Stroll is ninth and Toro Rosso's Daniil Kvyat 10th.

Toro Rosso and Racing Point are also closer to Renault in the constructors' standings with four races to go.

Renault were stripped of their nine points from the Japanese Grand Prix on Wednesday after Formula One's governing body ruled the cars driven by Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Hulkenberg had illegal driver aids.

Renault were stripped of their nine points from the Japanese Grand Prix on Wednesday after Formula One's governing body ruled the cars driven by Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Hulkenberg had illegal driver aids. Australian Ricciardo and German Hulkenberg were classified sixth and 10th at the October 13 race in Suzuka but the Racing Point team protested against the brake bias system used by the French manufacturer. The governing FIA announced the outcome in a statement ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix and gave Renault until Thursday to appeal. Renault acknowledged the decision and did not say whether they would appeal. "Considering the subjectivity of the qualification of a system as a driver aid and the variability of the associated penalties in recent cases, Renault F1 Team will consider its next course of action within the timeframe laid out by the FIA," the team said. Renault's points haul in Japan had consolidated their fifth place in the constructors' standings, but their cars' steering wheels and electronic control units were impounded after the race. The FIA said the stewards concluded after a telephone hearing that the brake bias system "used innovative solutions to exploit certain ambiguities" and did not breach the technical regulations. They also found that the system was not pre-set or lap distance-dependent as alleged. The system, however, acted as a driver aid and that was not allowed under the sporting regulations. "The brake balance adjustment system in question acts as a driver aid, by saving the driver from having to make a number of adjustments during a lap," the statement said. "The stewards note that there is a clear distinction between this system and one which provides actual feedback control, which would be a substitute for driver skills or reflexes," it added. "Nevertheless, it is still an aid and, therefore, contravenes." Renault had argued in their defence that Racing Point could produce no conclusive video evidence and had based their protest on allegations by a former Renault employee who was unaware of all the details. The disqualification lifts Ferrari's Charles Leclerc to sixth with Toro Rosso's Pierre Gasly and Racing Point's Sergio Perez now seventh and eighth. Racing Point's Lance Stroll is ninth and Toro Rosso's Daniil Kvyat 10th. Toro Rosso and Racing Point are also closer to Renault in the constructors' standings with four races to go.

Renault stripped of Japanese Grand Prix points

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc took his third successive Formula One pole position on Saturday with Mercedes' world champion Lewis Hamilton joining the youngster on the front row for the Singapore Grand Prix.

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, who was fastest after the first flying laps in the final session of qualifying, made mistakes on his last effort and qualified third with Red Bull's Max Verstappen fourth.

Leclerc, 21, also started on pole in Belgium and Italy and won both races.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc took his third successive Formula One pole position on Saturday with Mercedes' world champion Lewis Hamilton joining the youngster on the front row for the Singapore Grand Prix.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc took his third successive Formula One pole position on Saturday with Mercedes' world champion Lewis Hamilton joining the youngster on the front row for the Singapore Grand Prix. Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, who was fastest after the first flying laps in the final session of qualifying, made mistakes on his last effort and qualified third with Red Bull's Max Verstappen fourth. Leclerc, 21, also started on pole in Belgium and Italy and won both races.

Charles Leclerc stuns with pole hat-trick in Singapore

Sebastian Vettel led Ferrari’s charge in practice for the Singapore Grand Prix on Friday but the German’s Formula One victory drought, already more than a year long, still looked set to continue.

The German, whose 52nd and last win came at the 2018 Belgian Grand Prix, was second and third fastest on the timesheets in Friday’s two sessions at the Marina Bay track.

Team mate Charles Leclerc, who eclipsed Vettel with successive wins in Belgium and Italy, was 19th in the first session after being sidelined by a gearbox failure and sixth in the second.

While Vettel was just 0.167 seconds off pace-setter Max Verstappen’s Red Bull over the first 90 minutes, he was nearly a second off the pace set by Mercedes' championship leader Lewis Hamilton in the floodlit night-time running.

Ferrari's car was aerodynamically well-suited to the flat-out blasts of the Spa-Francorchamps and Monza circuits but the twisty Marina Bay street track, with more corners than any other circuit, has shifted the balance away from the Italian team.

"I think Mercedes was very strong today," said Vettel. "Everybody could see that, not just on one lap and not just on the timing tables.

"I think overall they were a bit faster. On our side we can do better, we can improve the car so let's see."

Vettel has won four times in Singapore, the same as five-times world champion Hamilton with the pair the most successful drivers at the event.

His last win in the city state came in 2015, his first year with Ferrari.

The German heads into this weekend’s race off the back of a scrappy display at Monza, Ferrari's home race, where he spun off and was sanctioned by stewards for rejoining the track dangerously.

That was the latest in a series of mistakes going back to last year’s German Grand Prix and he is now 13 points behind Leclerc in the standings.

The German's current form has fuelled speculation, despite his statements to the contrary, that he might not see out his Ferrari contract which runs out at the end of 2020.

"Certainly not the best one right now,” said Vettel when asked if this was the worst point of his career. "But also it’s not the worst one either.&nbsp;

"I still love racing and I look forward to a lot of races this year to hopefully get in a better position and finish the season in the way we want.&nbsp;

"Then prepare for next year."

Sebastian Vettel led Ferrari’s charge in practice for the Singapore Grand Prix on Friday but the German’s Formula One victory drought, already more than a year long, still looked set to continue.

Sebastian Vettel led Ferrari’s charge in practice for the Singapore Grand Prix on Friday but the German’s Formula One victory drought, already more than a year long, still looked set to continue. The German, whose 52nd and last win came at the 2018 Belgian Grand Prix, was second and third fastest on the timesheets in Friday’s two sessions at the Marina Bay track. Team mate Charles Leclerc, who eclipsed Vettel with successive wins in Belgium and Italy, was 19th in the first session after being sidelined by a gearbox failure and sixth in the second. While Vettel was just 0.167 seconds off pace-setter Max Verstappen’s Red Bull over the first 90 minutes, he was nearly a second off the pace set by Mercedes' championship leader Lewis Hamilton in the floodlit night-time running. Ferrari's car was aerodynamically well-suited to the flat-out blasts of the Spa-Francorchamps and Monza circuits but the twisty Marina Bay street track, with more corners than any other circuit, has shifted the balance away from the Italian team. "I think Mercedes was very strong today," said Vettel. "Everybody could see that, not just on one lap and not just on the timing tables. "I think overall they were a bit faster. On our side we can do better, we can improve the car so let's see." Vettel has won four times in Singapore, the same as five-times world champion Hamilton with the pair the most successful drivers at the event. His last win in the city state came in 2015, his first year with Ferrari. The German heads into this weekend’s race off the back of a scrappy display at Monza, Ferrari's home race, where he spun off and was sanctioned by stewards for rejoining the track dangerously. That was the latest in a series of mistakes going back to last year’s German Grand Prix and he is now 13 points behind Leclerc in the standings. The German's current form has fuelled speculation, despite his statements to the contrary, that he might not see out his Ferrari contract which runs out at the end of 2020. "Certainly not the best one right now,” said Vettel when asked if this was the worst point of his career. "But also it’s not the worst one either. "I still love racing and I look forward to a lot of races this year to hopefully get in a better position and finish the season in the way we want. "Then prepare for next year."

Sebastian Vettel leads Ferrari's Singapore charge but Mercedes on top

Former Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher was admitted to a Paris hospital for "secret treatment" earlier on Monday, Le Parisien newspaper reported.

Schumacher turned 50 on January&nbsp;3 but has not been seen in public since a skiing accident in the French Alps five years ago that left him with severe head injuries and in a medically-induced coma for several months.

Schumacher was taken to the Pompidou hospital in southwest Paris on Monday afternoon, Le Parisien said, without citing its sources.

The French newspaper said the former champion would undergo treatment based on stem-cell transfusion by French surgeon Philippe Menasche.

A spokeswoman for Schumacher did not immediately return a request for comment.

Schumacher remains motor racing's most successful driver, with a record 91 grand prix wins. He won his first two titles with Benetton in 1994 and 1995 before five in a row with Ferrari between 2000-2004.

In January his family released a statement saying he was in "the very best of hands".

Former Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher was admitted to a Paris hospital for "secret treatment" earlier on Monday, Le Parisien newspaper reported. Schumacher turned 50 on January 3 but has not been seen in public since a skiing accident in the French Alps five years ago that left him with severe head injuries and in a medically-induced coma for several months.

Former Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher was admitted to a Paris hospital for "secret treatment" earlier on Monday, Le Parisien newspaper reported. Schumacher turned 50 on January 3 but has not been seen in public since a skiing accident in the French Alps five years ago that left him with severe head injuries and in a medically-induced coma for several months. Schumacher was taken to the Pompidou hospital in southwest Paris on Monday afternoon, Le Parisien said, without citing its sources. The French newspaper said the former champion would undergo treatment based on stem-cell transfusion by French surgeon Philippe Menasche. A spokeswoman for Schumacher did not immediately return a request for comment. Schumacher remains motor racing's most successful driver, with a record 91 grand prix wins. He won his first two titles with Benetton in 1994 and 1995 before five in a row with Ferrari between 2000-2004. In January his family released a statement saying he was in "the very best of hands".

Michael Schumacher admitted to Paris hospital for 'secret treatment': Report

Mexico will stay on the Formula One calendar for three more years after a new contract was signed on Thursday, with the sport set to expand to a record 22 races next season.

Formula One said the race would change its name to the Mexico City Grand Prix from 2020 to emphasise the support of the city authorities.

"It’s an honour to announce that we will carry out this event in Mexico City until 2022," Formula One chairman and CEO Chase Carey told a news conference.

Mexico City mayor Claudia Sheinbaum said in a statement that the agreement was based on a new financing model without the use of public resources.

"The Mexico City government will be an intermediary, creating a trust that will raise the private investment required to deliver this international event," she said. Ticket prices will remain unchanged.

Confirmation of Mexico means the 2020 calendar is set to expand from 21 races, with new ones in Vietnam and the Netherlands while only Germany is set to drop off.

Teams agreed to the extension at last weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix.

Mexico's future had looked uncertain earlier in the year, with president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador saying in February that state funds would in future go towards a tourist train project being planned in the south of the country.

Mexico returned to the grand prix calendar in 2015 after a 23-year absence.

The race, scheduled for Oct. 27 this year at the Hermanos Rodriguez circuit and paired with the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin, is organised by CIE and has won the governing FIA's award for best event for the past four seasons.

It was also the race where Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, now a five-times world champion, clinched the title in 2017 and 2018.

Mexico will stay on the Formula One calendar for three more years after a new contract was signed on Thursday, with the sport set to expand to a record 22 races next season.

Mexico will stay on the Formula One calendar for three more years after a new contract was signed on Thursday, with the sport set to expand to a record 22 races next season. Formula One said the race would change its name to the Mexico City Grand Prix from 2020 to emphasise the support of the city authorities. "It’s an honour to announce that we will carry out this event in Mexico City until 2022," Formula One chairman and CEO Chase Carey told a news conference. Mexico City mayor Claudia Sheinbaum said in a statement that the agreement was based on a new financing model without the use of public resources. "The Mexico City government will be an intermediary, creating a trust that will raise the private investment required to deliver this international event," she said. Ticket prices will remain unchanged. Confirmation of Mexico means the 2020 calendar is set to expand from 21 races, with new ones in Vietnam and the Netherlands while only Germany is set to drop off. Teams agreed to the extension at last weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix. Mexico's future had looked uncertain earlier in the year, with president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador saying in February that state funds would in future go towards a tourist train project being planned in the south of the country. Mexico returned to the grand prix calendar in 2015 after a 23-year absence. The race, scheduled for Oct. 27 this year at the Hermanos Rodriguez circuit and paired with the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin, is organised by CIE and has won the governing FIA's award for best event for the past four seasons. It was also the race where Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, now a five-times world champion, clinched the title in 2017 and 2018.

Mexico staying on F1 calendar for three more years

Secrets of mind-boggling pit stop timings in Formula 1

Legendary Formula One driver Niki Lauda has died at the age of 70, his family said in a statement

Former F1 champion Niki Lauda dies at 70

Ferrari had hoped to step up and take the fight to dominant Mercedes at the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday but ended up with their weaknesses exposed and even further off the pace.

Team boss Mattia Binotto said the experience would ultimately make Ferrari stronger but the disappointment was evident.

Mercedes have now won the first five races one-two while Ferrari have taken just three third places and were off the podium entirely at the Circuit de Catalunya, behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen.

"Before we judge our performance, I think compliments to Mercedes," Binotto told reporters, with drivers Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc alongside. "They have been really very strong so far in the season.

"On our side, we can work very hard and well and the season is still long. We will never give up. I think that is our approach."

Binotto said there was much for Ferrari, who brought upgrades to the first round of the traditional European season, to learn.

"We are disappointed for the race, disappointed for the performance in the weekend. Our hope was to deliver more," he added.

"We brought some upgrades, aero and engine, and were expecting somehow to be in the fight but it has not been the case.

"I think power-wise, straight line speed, we are good enough but certainly we have some weaknesses on the car that were highlighted this weekend. It's up to us try to understand and assess and to improve in the future."

Vettel, a four times world champion, finished fourth with Leclerc fifth.

Ferrari are losing a lot of time in the corners, which does not bode well for the next round in tight and twisty Monaco, and are also finding the new Pirelli tyres tricky to manage.

Vettel damaged his on the opening lap and both drivers also lost time in the pits with a wheel nut cross-threading problem.

Binotto said the limitations seen on Sunday were also evident in the earlier races and was unable to offer a time frame for a solution.

"(The) more important (thing) for us is first to understand really how to address them and then I'm pretty sure we can do it quickly," he said.

"We still believe development will be a key factor in the season."

Ferrari had hoped to step up and take the fight to dominant Mercedes at the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday but ended up with their weaknesses exposed and even further off the pace.

Ferrari had hoped to step up and take the fight to dominant Mercedes at the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday but ended up with their weaknesses exposed and even further off the pace. Team boss Mattia Binotto said the experience would ultimately make Ferrari stronger but the disappointment was evident. Mercedes have now won the first five races one-two while Ferrari have taken just three third places and were off the podium entirely at the Circuit de Catalunya, behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen. "Before we judge our performance, I think compliments to Mercedes," Binotto told reporters, with drivers Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc alongside. "They have been really very strong so far in the season. "On our side, we can work very hard and well and the season is still long. We will never give up. I think that is our approach." Binotto said there was much for Ferrari, who brought upgrades to the first round of the traditional European season, to learn. "We are disappointed for the race, disappointed for the performance in the weekend. Our hope was to deliver more," he added. "We brought some upgrades, aero and engine, and were expecting somehow to be in the fight but it has not been the case. "I think power-wise, straight line speed, we are good enough but certainly we have some weaknesses on the car that were highlighted this weekend. It's up to us try to understand and assess and to improve in the future." Vettel, a four times world champion, finished fourth with Leclerc fifth. Ferrari are losing a lot of time in the corners, which does not bode well for the next round in tight and twisty Monaco, and are also finding the new Pirelli tyres tricky to manage. Vettel damaged his on the opening lap and both drivers also lost time in the pits with a wheel nut cross-threading problem. Binotto said the limitations seen on Sunday were also evident in the earlier races and was unable to offer a time frame for a solution. "(The) more important (thing) for us is first to understand really how to address them and then I'm pretty sure we can do it quickly," he said. "We still believe development will be a key factor in the season."

Formula One: Disappointed Ferrari 'not in the fight'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Lewis+Hamilton">Lewis Hamilton</a> beat Valtteri Bottas in the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday to replace his team-mate as world championship leader as Mercedes' extended their record start to the season with a fifth 1-2 finish.

The defending five-time world champion seized the initiative at the start in Barcelona and led from lights to flag with a consummate demonstration of his speed and race-craft at the Circuit de Catalunya.

It was his third win this year, the 76th of his career and his fourth in Spain following victories in 2014, 2017 and 2018. &nbsp;

Responding to being outpaced by Bottas in qualifying, Hamilton came home 4.074 seconds ahead of the Finn who was second ahead of Max Verstappen of Red Bull, four-time champion Sebastian Vettel and his Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc.

Pierre Gasly was a solid sixth in the second Red Bull ahead of Kevin Magnussen of Haas, home hero Carlos Sainz of McLaren, Daniil Kvyat of Toro Rosso and Romain Grosjean in the second Haas.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
A first <a href="https://twitter.com/DHL_Motorsports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DHL_Motorsports</a> Fastest Lap Award of the season for <a href="https://twitter.com/LewisHamilton?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LewisHamilton</a> ⏱️ 
 
And a valuable bonus point for him in the title race 🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpanishGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpanishGP</a> 🇪🇸 <a href="https://t.co/ojtyIRoIBL">pic.twitter.com/ojtyIRoIBL</a>
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It was the 16th time that Hamilton won a Grand Prix after leading every lap of the race.

Hamilton’s triumph hoisted him back to the top of the standings with 112 points, including one for fastest lap, ahead of Bottas on 105

"I have to put it down to this incredible team,” said Hamilton. “This is history in the making to have five 1-2’s. I am very proud of that!

"It's definitely been a bit of a hard first four races. Naturally we have a great car, but we don't always get along. I'm grateful in the race that we managed to settle our differences.”

Bottas said: “I lost it there, at the start. The clutch was strange – bite and release, bite and release. I’ve never had that before.”&nbsp;

Lewis Hamilton beat Valtteri Bottas in the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday to replace his team-mate as world championship leader as Mercedes' extended their record start to the season with a fifth 1-2 finish.

Lewis Hamilton beat Valtteri Bottas in the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday to replace his team-mate as world championship leader as Mercedes' extended their record start to the season with a fifth 1-2 finish. The defending five-time world champion seized the initiative at the start in Barcelona and led from lights to flag with a consummate demonstration of his speed and race-craft at the Circuit de Catalunya. It was his third win this year, the 76th of his career and his fourth in Spain following victories in 2014, 2017 and 2018. Responding to being outpaced by Bottas in qualifying, Hamilton came home 4.074 seconds ahead of the Finn who was second ahead of Max Verstappen of Red Bull, four-time champion Sebastian Vettel and his Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc. Pierre Gasly was a solid sixth in the second Red Bull ahead of Kevin Magnussen of Haas, home hero Carlos Sainz of McLaren, Daniil Kvyat of Toro Rosso and Romain Grosjean in the second Haas. A first @DHL_Motorsports Fastest Lap Award of the season for @LewisHamilton ⏱️ And a valuable bonus point for him in the title race 🏆#F1 #SpanishGP 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/ojtyIRoIBL — Formula 1 (@F1) May 12, 2019 × It was the 16th time that Hamilton won a Grand Prix after leading every lap of the race. Hamilton’s triumph hoisted him back to the top of the standings with 112 points, including one for fastest lap, ahead of Bottas on 105 "I have to put it down to this incredible team,” said Hamilton. “This is history in the making to have five 1-2’s. I am very proud of that! "It's definitely been a bit of a hard first four races. Naturally we have a great car, but we don't always get along. I'm grateful in the race that we managed to settle our differences.” Bottas said: “I lost it there, at the start. The clutch was strange – bite and release, bite and release. I’ve never had that before.”

Lewis Hamilton wins Spanish Grand Prix, takes championship lead

How Ayrton Senna's death made Formula One safer

Valtteri Bottas won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday to retake the Formula One world championship lead from team mate Lewis Hamilton after a stunning fourth successive one-two finish for Mercedes.

The Finn, who started on pole position, crossed the line 1.524 seconds ahead of Hamilton to make up for the agony of 2018 when he was denied victory in Baku by a late puncture.

The pair are now separated by just one point with 17 races remaining, with Mercedes 70 points ahead of Ferrari in the constructors' standings.

"It was actually a tough race," said Bottas, who went side-by-side with Hamilton on the opening lap and showed plenty of grit and determination in fending off the Briton to hold position.

"Lewis was putting pressure all the time, I could not do any mistakes," added the 29-year-old who came under renewed threat from Hamilton in the dying laps.

Sebastian Vettel in his Ferrari was a distant third as the Italian pre-season favourites again failed to convert their promise into a result.

The win around the streets of capital Baku was the fifth of Bottas’ career and he became the first driver this season to win from pole.

Like Hamilton, he now has two wins and two second places from the first four races but is ahead thanks to the extra point he scored for setting the fastest lap on his way to victory in the Australian season opener.

"I was too friendly at turn one and basically gave it to him," said Hamilton.

Mercedes are the first two-car team in Formula One's 70-year history to open a season with four straight one-twos.

Max Verstappen was fourth for Red Bull ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.

The Monegasque, the pole-position favourite who started eighth after crashing in qualifying, led the race at one point after staying out longer than rivals on softer tyres.

While he ultimately had to settle for fifth, Leclerc took the extra point for fastest lap after making a second stop for fresh tyres with a comfortable buffer to those behind and no risk of losing position.

Sergio Perez was sixth for Racing Point ahead of McLaren's Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris.

Lance Stroll gave Racing Point a double points finish with ninth place, while Alfa Romeo’s Kimi Raikkonen took 10th after starting from the pitlane.

The main surprise of the day was the lack of upsets, with no safety car on track for the first time and no major crashes on unforgiving streets that have given the race a reputation for unpredictability.

The most notable incident involved Daniel Ricciardo and Daniil Kvyat, with the Australian running straight onto the runoff while trying overtake the Russian.

He then reversed his Renault into the Toro Rosso, which had also failed to make the corner. Both drivers retired shortly after, with the incident being investigated by stewards.

Pierre Gasly's Red Bull lost power in the late stages of the race, parking down an escape road but prompting the deployment of the virtual safety car as marshals moved it.

Robert Kubica, who started from the pitlane after a qualifying crash, was hit with a drive-through penalty for leaving the garage too early.

Valtteri Bottas won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday to retake the Formula One world championship lead from team mate Lewis Hamilton after a stunning fourth successive one-two finish for Mercedes.

Valtteri Bottas won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday to retake the Formula One world championship lead from team mate Lewis Hamilton after a stunning fourth successive one-two finish for Mercedes. The Finn, who started on pole position, crossed the line 1.524 seconds ahead of Hamilton to make up for the agony of 2018 when he was denied victory in Baku by a late puncture. The pair are now separated by just one point with 17 races remaining, with Mercedes 70 points ahead of Ferrari in the constructors' standings. "It was actually a tough race," said Bottas, who went side-by-side with Hamilton on the opening lap and showed plenty of grit and determination in fending off the Briton to hold position. "Lewis was putting pressure all the time, I could not do any mistakes," added the 29-year-old who came under renewed threat from Hamilton in the dying laps. Sebastian Vettel in his Ferrari was a distant third as the Italian pre-season favourites again failed to convert their promise into a result. The win around the streets of capital Baku was the fifth of Bottas’ career and he became the first driver this season to win from pole. Like Hamilton, he now has two wins and two second places from the first four races but is ahead thanks to the extra point he scored for setting the fastest lap on his way to victory in the Australian season opener. "I was too friendly at turn one and basically gave it to him," said Hamilton. Mercedes are the first two-car team in Formula One's 70-year history to open a season with four straight one-twos. Max Verstappen was fourth for Red Bull ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque, the pole-position favourite who started eighth after crashing in qualifying, led the race at one point after staying out longer than rivals on softer tyres. While he ultimately had to settle for fifth, Leclerc took the extra point for fastest lap after making a second stop for fresh tyres with a comfortable buffer to those behind and no risk of losing position. Sergio Perez was sixth for Racing Point ahead of McLaren's Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris. Lance Stroll gave Racing Point a double points finish with ninth place, while Alfa Romeo’s Kimi Raikkonen took 10th after starting from the pitlane. The main surprise of the day was the lack of upsets, with no safety car on track for the first time and no major crashes on unforgiving streets that have given the race a reputation for unpredictability. The most notable incident involved Daniel Ricciardo and Daniil Kvyat, with the Australian running straight onto the runoff while trying overtake the Russian. He then reversed his Renault into the Toro Rosso, which had also failed to make the corner. Both drivers retired shortly after, with the incident being investigated by stewards. Pierre Gasly's Red Bull lost power in the late stages of the race, parking down an escape road but prompting the deployment of the virtual safety car as marshals moved it. Robert Kubica, who started from the pitlane after a qualifying crash, was hit with a drive-through penalty for leaving the garage too early.

Valtteri Bottas wins Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Valtteri Bottas snatched pole position for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Saturday in an incident-packed qualifying session that saw Mercedes lock out the front row and Ferrari favourite <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/charles-leclerc-leads-ferrari-one-two-in-azerbaijan-grand-prix-practice-213807">Charles Leclerc</a> crash out.

The Finn lapped the six-km Baku street circuit in one minute, 40.495 seconds, just 0.059 seconds faster than teammate and championship leader Lewis Hamilton.

Sebastian Vettel, the sole Ferrari driver chasing pole after Leclerc crashed out in the second phase of qualifying, will line up in third place after his fastest lap was 0.302 seconds off Bottas’s pace.

Hamilton had been fastest after the first flying laps in the third and final phase but Bottas found the extra speed just when it mattered.

"It was a nice feeling getting it done on the last lap,” said the Finn, after the eighth pole position of his career and second in a row. The 29-year-old also started the previous race in China from the front.

"I managed to hit the sweet spot," added the Finn.

Hamilton’s second-fastest time gave Mercedes their third front-row lockout of the season, leaving the German marque well-placed to extend their streak of three straight one-two finishes in as many races.

"Ferrari have looked incredibly quick," said Hamilton, who won in Baku last year and leads Bottas by six points in the overall standings.

"This is a massively great result for us. We came here, we didn't have an upgrade so for us to lock out the front row, it puts us in a great position for tomorrow. Pace-wise we are closer in race trim," added the five-time champion.

Ferrari had started the session looking dominant after Leclerc had led every practice session.

However, the Monegasque -- fired up after being ordered to move over for Vettel in China and denied a maiden Formula One win by engine trouble in Bahrain -- hit the wall. He will still start ninth, however.

Red Flags

With the session running late after two lengthy red-flag delays, and with temperatures dropping and no slipstream, Vettel was unable to extract the lap time from his Ferrari.

"It was quite tricky, the track cooled down, it was difficult to find the right balance," he said. "In the end, I had a good lap but I had no tow."

Red Bull's Max Verstappen, fastest in the second phase of qualifying, was fourth ahead of Racing Point’s Sergio Perez -- the only driver to have stood on the Baku podium more than once.

Russian Daniil Kvyat was sixth for Toro Rosso ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris.

Alfa Romeo’s Antonio Giovinazzi set the eighth-fastest time but the Italian will drop 10 places after being hit with an engine-related grid penalty. Teammate Kimi Raikkonen will, therefore, move up to eighth.

Robert Kubica brought out the first red flag, the Pole ploughing his Williams into the barriers at exactly the same spot as Leclerc in the opening phase.

That crash was the latest blow on a difficult weekend for struggling Williams with rookie George Russell striking a loose manhole cover in Friday practice and wrecking his car.

Several other drivers, including Vettel and Renault’s Nico Hulkenberg, clipped the barriers or had close escapes at the same turn eight.

Bottas was on course for victory in Baku last year when a blown tyre three laps from the end handed it to Hamilton instead.

No driver has won from pole so far this season while retired champion Nico Rosberg in 2016 is the only driver to have converted pole to victory in Baku.

Valtteri Bottas snatched pole position for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Saturday in an incident-packed qualifying session that saw Mercedes lock out the front row and Ferrari favourite Charles Leclerc crash out.

Valtteri Bottas snatched pole position for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Saturday in an incident-packed qualifying session that saw Mercedes lock out the front row and Ferrari favourite Charles Leclerc crash out. The Finn lapped the six-km Baku street circuit in one minute, 40.495 seconds, just 0.059 seconds faster than teammate and championship leader Lewis Hamilton. Sebastian Vettel, the sole Ferrari driver chasing pole after Leclerc crashed out in the second phase of qualifying, will line up in third place after his fastest lap was 0.302 seconds off Bottas’s pace. Hamilton had been fastest after the first flying laps in the third and final phase but Bottas found the extra speed just when it mattered. "It was a nice feeling getting it done on the last lap,” said the Finn, after the eighth pole position of his career and second in a row. The 29-year-old also started the previous race in China from the front. "I managed to hit the sweet spot," added the Finn. Hamilton’s second-fastest time gave Mercedes their third front-row lockout of the season, leaving the German marque well-placed to extend their streak of three straight one-two finishes in as many races. "Ferrari have looked incredibly quick," said Hamilton, who won in Baku last year and leads Bottas by six points in the overall standings. "This is a massively great result for us. We came here, we didn't have an upgrade so for us to lock out the front row, it puts us in a great position for tomorrow. Pace-wise we are closer in race trim," added the five-time champion. Ferrari had started the session looking dominant after Leclerc had led every practice session. However, the Monegasque -- fired up after being ordered to move over for Vettel in China and denied a maiden Formula One win by engine trouble in Bahrain -- hit the wall. He will still start ninth, however. Red Flags With the session running late after two lengthy red-flag delays, and with temperatures dropping and no slipstream, Vettel was unable to extract the lap time from his Ferrari. "It was quite tricky, the track cooled down, it was difficult to find the right balance," he said. "In the end, I had a good lap but I had no tow." Red Bull's Max Verstappen, fastest in the second phase of qualifying, was fourth ahead of Racing Point’s Sergio Perez -- the only driver to have stood on the Baku podium more than once. Russian Daniil Kvyat was sixth for Toro Rosso ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris. Alfa Romeo’s Antonio Giovinazzi set the eighth-fastest time but the Italian will drop 10 places after being hit with an engine-related grid penalty. Teammate Kimi Raikkonen will, therefore, move up to eighth. Robert Kubica brought out the first red flag, the Pole ploughing his Williams into the barriers at exactly the same spot as Leclerc in the opening phase. That crash was the latest blow on a difficult weekend for struggling Williams with rookie George Russell striking a loose manhole cover in Friday practice and wrecking his car. Several other drivers, including Vettel and Renault’s Nico Hulkenberg, clipped the barriers or had close escapes at the same turn eight. Bottas was on course for victory in Baku last year when a blown tyre three laps from the end handed it to Hamilton instead. No driver has won from pole so far this season while retired champion Nico Rosberg in 2016 is the only driver to have converted pole to victory in Baku.

Valtteri Bottas takes Baku pole after Charles Leclerc crashes

Charles Leclerc set a scorching pace on an incident-packed Azerbaijan Grand Prix Friday with Ferrari top of the practice timesheets after an early drain drama that wrecked George Russell's Williams.

The 21-year-old Monegasque lapped the six km Baku street circuit with the best time of one minute 42.872 seconds, 0.324 quicker than his German teammate Sebastian Vettel.

The Ferraris were comfortably clear of their closest challenger Lewis Hamilton, the champion and overall leader for Mercedes, who was 0.669 slower than Leclerc on a sunny afternoon.

Max Verstappen was fourth for Red Bull ahead of Hamilton's team mate Valtteri Bottas in fifth.

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After a severely shortened FP1, the drivers were itching to get out in FP2 
 
And it was <a href="https://twitter.com/ScuderiaFerrari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ScuderiaFerrari</a> who came out on top in Baku ⏱️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AzerbaijanGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AzerbaijanGP</a> 🇦🇿 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://t.co/NvD52nsFgY">pic.twitter.com/NvD52nsFgY</a>
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"I think we are pretty strong," said Leclerc, who scored his first Formula One points last year in Baku and in 2017 won a Formula Two race from pole position just days after his father’s death.

"I am confident with the track, the car felt good today and that’s all that matters."

Mercedes have opened the year with three one-two finishes in as many races, marking the strongest start to a season for any team since Williams in 1992.

Pre-season favourites Ferrari have managed only a pair of third-place finishes and are 57 points behind their rivals in the overall standings.

The Italian team marked themselves out as the ones to beat following Friday’s running, however.

Fired up after being ordered to move over for Vettel in China and denied a maiden Formula One victory by engine trouble in Bahrain, Leclerc looked like he had the edge on his rivals.

"The Ferraris are clearly very quick and it looks like they’re quite a bit ahead of us," said Hamilton, the five-times world champion who won last year in Baku and heads into Sunday’s race with two wins from three races.

"It’s unlikely that we’ll find seven tenths overnight but we’ll do everything we can to push the car in the right direction."

Drain Drama

Friday’s running was interrupted by a number of incidents.

The opening 90-minute session was abandoned with 12 minutes on the clock, and only the two Ferrari drivers setting a time, after Russell struck a loose drain cover that destroyed the underside of his car in a shower of debris.

"If that was 10-15mm higher, it was going straight into where I'm sat," said the Briton, who was unhurt but will need a new chassis for qualifying and the race. "It could have been much worse."

Replays showed Leclerc had driven over the cover first, with the governing International Automobile Federation confirming a broken mounting as the cause.

Friday’s second session ran the full 90 minutes but was still interrupted by red flags as drivers, eager to make up for lost track time, impatiently probed the limits of the unforgiving layout.

Canadian Lance Stroll, a 2017 podium finisher with Williams in Baku, was the first casualty when he clouted the barriers and broke the front suspension of his Racing Point car.

Daniel Kvyat’s session also ended with his Toro Rosso in the barriers, its front suspension mangled. The Russian, celebrating his 25th birthday, was still sixth.

Spaniard Carlos Sainz was seventh for McLaren ahead of Thailand’s Alexander Albon in the Toro Rosso.

Pierre Gasly, who spun multiple times, was ninth for Red Bull. The Frenchman missed a call to stop at the weighbridge at the end of the session and will start Sunday’s race from the pitlane as punishment for the offence.

Rookie Lando Norris rounded out the top 10 for McLaren.

Hamilton was nearly involved in an incident with Kevin Magnussen, the Dane’s Haas almost clipping the front wing of the Mercedes as the Briton overtook.

Hamilton leads the overall standings by six points from team mate Bottas with 18 of the season’s 21 races, including Sunday’s round in Baku, remaining.

Charles Leclerc set a scorching pace on an incident-packed Azerbaijan Grand Prix Friday with Ferrari top of the practice timesheets after an early drain drama that wrecked George Russell's Williams.

Charles Leclerc set a scorching pace on an incident-packed Azerbaijan Grand Prix Friday with Ferrari top of the practice timesheets after an early drain drama that wrecked George Russell's Williams. The 21-year-old Monegasque lapped the six km Baku street circuit with the best time of one minute 42.872 seconds, 0.324 quicker than his German teammate Sebastian Vettel. The Ferraris were comfortably clear of their closest challenger Lewis Hamilton, the champion and overall leader for Mercedes, who was 0.669 slower than Leclerc on a sunny afternoon. Max Verstappen was fourth for Red Bull ahead of Hamilton's team mate Valtteri Bottas in fifth. After a severely shortened FP1, the drivers were itching to get out in FP2 And it was @ScuderiaFerrari who came out on top in Baku ⏱️#AzerbaijanGP 🇦🇿 #F1 pic.twitter.com/NvD52nsFgY — Formula 1 (@F1) April 26, 2019 × "I think we are pretty strong," said Leclerc, who scored his first Formula One points last year in Baku and in 2017 won a Formula Two race from pole position just days after his father’s death. "I am confident with the track, the car felt good today and that’s all that matters." Mercedes have opened the year with three one-two finishes in as many races, marking the strongest start to a season for any team since Williams in 1992. Pre-season favourites Ferrari have managed only a pair of third-place finishes and are 57 points behind their rivals in the overall standings. The Italian team marked themselves out as the ones to beat following Friday’s running, however. Fired up after being ordered to move over for Vettel in China and denied a maiden Formula One victory by engine trouble in Bahrain, Leclerc looked like he had the edge on his rivals. "The Ferraris are clearly very quick and it looks like they’re quite a bit ahead of us," said Hamilton, the five-times world champion who won last year in Baku and heads into Sunday’s race with two wins from three races. "It’s unlikely that we’ll find seven tenths overnight but we’ll do everything we can to push the car in the right direction." Drain Drama Friday’s running was interrupted by a number of incidents. The opening 90-minute session was abandoned with 12 minutes on the clock, and only the two Ferrari drivers setting a time, after Russell struck a loose drain cover that destroyed the underside of his car in a shower of debris. "If that was 10-15mm higher, it was going straight into where I'm sat," said the Briton, who was unhurt but will need a new chassis for qualifying and the race. "It could have been much worse." Replays showed Leclerc had driven over the cover first, with the governing International Automobile Federation confirming a broken mounting as the cause. Friday’s second session ran the full 90 minutes but was still interrupted by red flags as drivers, eager to make up for lost track time, impatiently probed the limits of the unforgiving layout. Canadian Lance Stroll, a 2017 podium finisher with Williams in Baku, was the first casualty when he clouted the barriers and broke the front suspension of his Racing Point car. Daniel Kvyat’s session also ended with his Toro Rosso in the barriers, its front suspension mangled. The Russian, celebrating his 25th birthday, was still sixth. Spaniard Carlos Sainz was seventh for McLaren ahead of Thailand’s Alexander Albon in the Toro Rosso. Pierre Gasly, who spun multiple times, was ninth for Red Bull. The Frenchman missed a call to stop at the weighbridge at the end of the session and will start Sunday’s race from the pitlane as punishment for the offence. Rookie Lando Norris rounded out the top 10 for McLaren. Hamilton was nearly involved in an incident with Kevin Magnussen, the Dane’s Haas almost clipping the front wing of the Mercedes as the Briton overtook. Hamilton leads the overall standings by six points from team mate Bottas with 18 of the season’s 21 races, including Sunday’s round in Baku, remaining.

Charles Leclerc leads Ferrari one-two in Azerbaijan Grand Prix practice

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Lewis+Hamilton">Lewis Hamilton</a> won the 1,000th Formula One grand prix Sunday after grabbing the lead from Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas at the first corner and powering to victory in blustery Shanghai.

Hamilton, who started from second on the grid, took the world championship lead after romping home to win the Chinese Grand Prix by more than 6.5 seconds from Bottas, with Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel third.

Max Verstappen of Red Bull was fourth and Charles Leclerc in the second Ferrari was fifth.

This was world champion Hamilton's sixth victory at the Chinese Grand Prix and second in a row this season.

"To have a one-two (for Mercedes) is really special in the 1,000th grand prix but the start was where it made the difference and the rest is history," said the Briton.

Hamilton was pipped for pole position by Bottas by just 0.023 seconds in qualifying and had said that he was "struggling with the car".

But the Finn laboured out of the blocks, allowing Hamilton to nip in and grab the lead at the first corner.

"I lost it on the start, honestly, shame about the start, I got some wheel spin on the start line," said Bottas, who also relinquished his hold on the standings after three races.

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Your top three in China! 
 
Seb's first podium sine Abu Dhabi 2018 🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChineseGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChineseGP</a> 🇨🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Race1000?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Race1000</a> <a href="https://t.co/Rw9E4d5jPD">pic.twitter.com/Rw9E4d5jPD</a>
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Talented 21-year-old Leclerc meanwhile pulled off the same trick at the start at the expense of his team-mate Vettel, darting into third.

There was more early drama when Toro Rosso's Daniil Kvyat tangled with both McLarens of Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz, earning the Russian a drive-through penalty.

On lap 11, four-time world champion Vettel leapfrogged back in front of Monaco's Leclerc into third following radio orders from Ferrari telling the youngster to let him pass.

"We do our job, stay focused," Leclerc -- agonisingly denied victory last time out in Bahrain after his Ferrari lost power late on -- was informed on team radio after he briefly protested.

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HAMILTON: "It wasn't the most straightforward of race weekends... to have a 1-2 together in the 100th race is really special!"<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChineseGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChineseGP</a> 🇨🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Race1000?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Race1000</a> <a href="https://t.co/6AiUQSGmhr">pic.twitter.com/6AiUQSGmhr</a>
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Back at the front, the 34-year-old Hamilton began pulling away, establishing a more than five-second gap on Bottas with a third of the race gone.

With five-time world champion Hamilton -- winner in Bahrain two weeks ago -- serene up top, the real battles unfolded behind him.

Vettel, under pressure after a number of unforced errors going back to last season, went wheel-to-wheel with Verstappen after both pitted for fresh tyres.

Vettel, Bottas and then Toro Rosso's Alexander Albon, who missed qualifying after a nasty crash in final practice, all exchanged fastest laps.

On lap 38 of the 56 it was Leclerc and Bottas who had a skirmish in the compelling battle for second.

Leclerc then pitted and was momentarily held up by a comparatively sluggish change of tyres.&nbsp;

Nico Hulkenberg, who qualified eighth for Renault, saw his race come to an early conclusion after the team retired his faltering car.

Norris and Kvyat were also forced out before the end.

The fourth race of the season takes place on the streets of Baku, in Azerbaijan, in a fortnight.

Lewis Hamilton won the 1,000th Formula One grand prix Sunday after grabbing the lead from Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas at the first corner and powering to victory in blustery Shanghai.

Lewis Hamilton won the 1,000th Formula One grand prix Sunday after grabbing the lead from Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas at the first corner and powering to victory in blustery Shanghai. Hamilton, who started from second on the grid, took the world championship lead after romping home to win the Chinese Grand Prix by more than 6.5 seconds from Bottas, with Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel third. Max Verstappen of Red Bull was fourth and Charles Leclerc in the second Ferrari was fifth. This was world champion Hamilton's sixth victory at the Chinese Grand Prix and second in a row this season. "To have a one-two (for Mercedes) is really special in the 1,000th grand prix but the start was where it made the difference and the rest is history," said the Briton. Hamilton was pipped for pole position by Bottas by just 0.023 seconds in qualifying and had said that he was "struggling with the car". But the Finn laboured out of the blocks, allowing Hamilton to nip in and grab the lead at the first corner. "I lost it on the start, honestly, shame about the start, I got some wheel spin on the start line," said Bottas, who also relinquished his hold on the standings after three races. Your top three in China! Seb's first podium sine Abu Dhabi 2018 🏆#ChineseGP 🇨🇳 #Race1000 pic.twitter.com/Rw9E4d5jPD — Formula 1 (@F1) April 14, 2019 × Talented 21-year-old Leclerc meanwhile pulled off the same trick at the start at the expense of his team-mate Vettel, darting into third. There was more early drama when Toro Rosso's Daniil Kvyat tangled with both McLarens of Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz, earning the Russian a drive-through penalty. On lap 11, four-time world champion Vettel leapfrogged back in front of Monaco's Leclerc into third following radio orders from Ferrari telling the youngster to let him pass. "We do our job, stay focused," Leclerc -- agonisingly denied victory last time out in Bahrain after his Ferrari lost power late on -- was informed on team radio after he briefly protested. HAMILTON: "It wasn't the most straightforward of race weekends... to have a 1-2 together in the 100th race is really special!"#ChineseGP 🇨🇳 #Race1000 pic.twitter.com/6AiUQSGmhr — Formula 1 (@F1) April 14, 2019 × Back at the front, the 34-year-old Hamilton began pulling away, establishing a more than five-second gap on Bottas with a third of the race gone. With five-time world champion Hamilton -- winner in Bahrain two weeks ago -- serene up top, the real battles unfolded behind him. Vettel, under pressure after a number of unforced errors going back to last season, went wheel-to-wheel with Verstappen after both pitted for fresh tyres. Vettel, Bottas and then Toro Rosso's Alexander Albon, who missed qualifying after a nasty crash in final practice, all exchanged fastest laps. On lap 38 of the 56 it was Leclerc and Bottas who had a skirmish in the compelling battle for second. Leclerc then pitted and was momentarily held up by a comparatively sluggish change of tyres. Nico Hulkenberg, who qualified eighth for Renault, saw his race come to an early conclusion after the team retired his faltering car. Norris and Kvyat were also forced out before the end. The fourth race of the season takes place on the streets of Baku, in Azerbaijan, in a fortnight.

Lewis Hamilton wins Formula One's 1,000th race

Lewis Hamilton said it was a good first date ahead of the 2019 Formula One season on Wednesday as the new Mercedes challenger - which Hamilton hopes will propel him to a fifth world title in six years - was launched.&nbsp;

"It was a great first date, which was probably one of the best ones that, that we've had in all these years," said Hamilton as Formula One champions Mercedes ran their new car for the first time at Silverstone.&nbsp;

"The excitement I had today was the same as I had when I first got in a Formula One car, which is really weird. I was not expecting that but, I'm happy that I have that," Hamilton added.&nbsp;

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Getting comfortable 🔥 The talent and sheer skill put into this unbelievable car never ceases to amaze me. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WelcomeW10?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WelcomeW10</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MercedesAMGF1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MercedesAMGF1</a> <a href="https://t.co/ke6mMaOlHp">pic.twitter.com/ke6mMaOlHp</a>
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Hamilton stated that he felt 2019 could turn out even better than last season and added that his intention is to improve his 2018 championship-winning campaign.&nbsp;

Should he achieve that feat, it would also be six career world titles for Hamilton - one short of Michael Schumacher's record.&nbsp;

The 34-year-old Briton will be partnered at Mercedes by Finland's Valtteri Bottas for a third straight season.&nbsp;

The opening winter test gets underway in Barcelona, Spain on Monday before Hamilton starts his title defence in Melbourne, Australia on March 17.&nbsp;

Lewis Hamilton said it was a good first date ahead of the 2019 Formula One season on Wednesday as the new Mercedes challenger - which Hamilton hopes will propel him to a fifth world title in six years - was launched.

Lewis Hamilton said it was a good first date ahead of the 2019 Formula One season on Wednesday as the new Mercedes challenger - which Hamilton hopes will propel him to a fifth world title in six years - was launched. "It was a great first date, which was probably one of the best ones that, that we've had in all these years," said Hamilton as Formula One champions Mercedes ran their new car for the first time at Silverstone. "The excitement I had today was the same as I had when I first got in a Formula One car, which is really weird. I was not expecting that but, I'm happy that I have that," Hamilton added. Getting comfortable 🔥 The talent and sheer skill put into this unbelievable car never ceases to amaze me. #WelcomeW10 @MercedesAMGF1 pic.twitter.com/ke6mMaOlHp — Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) February 13, 2019 × Hamilton stated that he felt 2019 could turn out even better than last season and added that his intention is to improve his 2018 championship-winning campaign. Should he achieve that feat, it would also be six career world titles for Hamilton - one short of Michael Schumacher's record. The 34-year-old Briton will be partnered at Mercedes by Finland's Valtteri Bottas for a third straight season. The opening winter test gets underway in Barcelona, Spain on Monday before Hamilton starts his title defence in Melbourne, Australia on March 17.

Here is Lewis Hamilton's 'great first date'

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