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F1 news LIVE: Liam Lawson’s future at Red Bull in doubt with Yuki Tsunoda in line to replace him
Follow all the reaction and news from an action-packed Chinese Grand Prix
Christian Horner did not dismiss speculation that Yuki Tsunoda could replace under-fire Liam Lawson at Red Bull for the next race in Japan.
Lawson has endured a torrid opening two F1 races as Max Verstappen’s teammate: he crashed out of the season-opening Australian GP and qualified last on the grid, twice, in China.
The New Zealander himself acknowledged he does “not have time” on his hands to turn around his form, while various outlets reported post-race in Shanghai that Red Bull were considering a shock swap for the Japanese Grand Prix, with Racing Bulls driver Tsunoda replacing Lawson for Red Bull.
Red Bull team principal Horner was pressed on the situation in his media briefing with the written press after Sunday’s race and refused to rule out an early-season swap.
Follow live updates from the Chinese Grand Prix with The Independent
Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur:
“Very strange, one side of the garage OK. We can take the positive with Charles.
“I don’t want to blame something, we have to do a better job. The tyres are on the edge.
On Lewis’s second stop: “The deg at one stage was important, if everyone pitted it would’ve made sense.”
Charles Leclerc after finishing P5:
On lap 1 clash with Hamilton: “Honestly, it’s not Lewis’s fault at all - I was around the inside trying to position the car for turn 3, Lewis didn’t know I was there - I didn’t think Lewis would come back to the apex.
“It’s a racing incident, it’s not the first of last time it will happen. Shame it happened between the two red cars.
“We didn’t want to take the eight seconds to change the wing, didn’t want to take that risk. I wanted to maximise the result, I think we did well.”
Time for the podium!
It’s the Australian and British national anthems on the podium in China as Oscar Piastri celebrates his victory for McLaren!
And that’s Piastri’s 28th consecutive points-finish too... some record! He’s in his title fight!
Oscar Piastri on his China GP win:
“It’s been an incredible weekend, the car has been pretty mega – today was a bit of a surprise with the tyres, proud of the whole weekend. This is what I feel like I deserved form last week, team did a mega job, one-two.
“To go all the way to the end was a surprise, but a happy surprise.
“There’s a few too many Lewis Hamilton fans but we’ll convert you next year!”
Lando Norris on team radio:
“Yeah well done boys, beautiful one-two!”
George Russell after finishing P3:
“It’s a great result finishing P3… great race, we knew McLaren were a smidge quicker than us, few crucial points.
“I felt from early on that a one-stop was possible, easier than we all anticipated – probably one of my best results in Formula 1 in terms of overall performance, pleased to be on the podium.
“It was a bit dicey with Lando but from there, straightforward race.”
Lando Norris on his 2nd place:
“A few fun moments – the start I was hoping for that but then George got me on the pit stops, but our pace was a lot better on the second stint. Oscar drove well, he was quick the whole race.
“I’m happy with second, it’s good points, one-two for the team. We’re very happy.
On brake issue: “It was scary, my worst nightmare! I was losing two, three four seconds, bit scared but we survived. Satisfied, great result!”
TOP-10 IN CHINESE GP
1. Oscar Piastri
2. Lando Norris
3. George Russell
4. Max Verstappen
5. Charles Leclerc
6. Lewis Hamilton
7. Esteban Ocon
8. Kimi Antonelli
9. Alex Albon
10. Ollie Bearman
Oscar Piastri wins the Chinese Grand Prix!
A third grand prix win in F1 for Oscar Piastri, who takes a superb victory in Shanghai!
Lando Norris just about brings his car home despite his brake issue, as McLaren claim a one-two!
George Russell on the podium again for third place!
4-10: Verstappen, Leclerc, Hamilton, Ocon, Antonelli, Albon, Bearman
Lando Norris brake issue critical (Lap 55/56)
Two laps left and Norris is being told to bring his car home, given a major issue with his brakes!
Still, it’s looking good for McLaren...
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