Hamilton arrived in Shanghai after a disappointing season-opening race last weekend at the Australian Grand Prix, finishing 10th in his debut race for Ferrari.

But he looked a force to be reckoned with just a week later in the sprint event on Saturday.

Hamilton got off to a flyer to take the lead into turn one and was not for catching in the 19-lap race.

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His sizzling start appeared to be his downfall just halfway through the race when the 40-year-old complained about his tyres degrading and graining.

But it did little to slow Hamilton down, as he actually extended his gap late to take the race in style.

Ferrari hadn’t won a sprint race in four years, but Hamilton never looked in any danger of being caught after spearing across at the start and leading from turn one.

Max Verstappen could not reel in the Englishman and was eventually passed by Aussie Oscar Piastri on lap 15.