Formula 1 – Chinese Grand Prix qualifying: Star

1. Max Verstappen – Red Bull – 85 points
2. Sergio Pérez – Red Bull – 70
3. Charles Leclerc – Ferrari – 64
4. Carlos Sainz – Ferrari – 59
5. Lando Norris – McLaren – 40
6. Oscar Piastri – McLaren – 36
7. George Russell – Mercedes – 25
8. Fernando Alonso – Aston Martin – 24
9. Lewis Hamilton-Mercedes-17
10. Lance Ride – Aston Martin – 9
11. Yuki Tsunoda – AlphaTauri – 7
12. Oliver Bearman – Ferrari – 6
13. Nico Hulkenberg – Haas – 3
14. Kevin Magnussen – Haas – 1

The veteran Fernando Alonso and the young Carlos Sainz faced each other in the sprint race, after the latter overtook on lap 16.

After a fight, there was a clash that allowed both cars to be left in Perez’s dust, and Alonso was eager to pass the ball after the race due to the “lack of space” the soon-to-be ex gave him. The Ferrari man.

Both men have been summoned before the commissioners after the incident; Watch this space.

As for the seven-time world champion, not everything has gone well this week. Hamilton attacked those who “continue to talk shit” about his move from Mercedes to Ferrari.

But who are these critics? Or does Hamilton simply feel stronger when he thinks he’s the underdog?

Mail Sport’s JONATHAN MCEVOY shares his thoughts below.

But he does warn that “this afternoon will be much harder.”

After posting the seventh-highest place in the standings this season, you can understand why you might want to manage expectations.

….and your report from this morning’s sprint race is now available. Max Verstappen may have overtaken his old rival, but this first session could suggest that Lewis Hamilton will have reason to be cheerful behind the wheel of a Mercedes before long.

You can read their full report below.

Hello and welcome to Mail Sport’s live coverage of this morning’s qualifying session, with the fifth race of the season, the Chinese Grand Prix, taking place tomorrow.

After an early sprint, we’re all set to bring you the latest news and more ahead of our 8am start time

Sorting will take around an hour, despite the possibility of small fires, so we should know our order for tomorrow’s grid at 9am BST.