It was on barely warmed asphalt at 16\u00b0C that the qualifications took place last year in Shanghai. Lagging behind at the beginning of the 2018 season, the Mercedes were less competitive with the Ferraris, and the Scuderia Reds were much more comfortable. In Q3, Kimi R\u00e4ikk\u00f6nen surprised with the best absolute time at the end of the session, but it was not taking into account an ultimate flying lap from Sebastian Vettel, which allowed the German to secure the pole by 87 thousandths. Over five-tenths behind, Valtteri Bottas was ahead of Lewis Hamilton, the latter feeling the setback, helmeted in his box, after aborting his last attempt.<\/p>\n
\n\ud83d\udcfd A mighty effort from Sebastian Vettel sees him pip Kimi R\u00e4ikk\u00f6nen to pole #ChineseGP<\/a> #F1<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/Y4xZYBir54<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Formula 1 (@F1) April 14, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Ricciardo flamboyant and victorious<\/h3>\n
Starting from pole, Sebastian Vettel lost a lot in the race. The German initially lost his lead during the pit stops and, largely aided by Max Verstappen, continued his downfall after a collision caused by the Dutchman. On the other hand, Daniel Ricciardo started 6th, miraculously in qualifying after his mechanics barely repaired his car following an engine bay fire in FP3. An unexpected pit stop on lap 31 due to contact between Gasly and Hartley allowed him to put on soft tires and fight his way to victory, overtaking all his opponents on track, including Valtteri Bottas despite a strong defense from the Finn.<\/p>\n
\nSpecial delivery! Sender marked ‘@danielricciardo<\/a>‘ \ud83d\udce8#ChineseGP<\/a> \ud83c\udde8\ud83c\uddf3 #F1<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/AwefO1QVjQ<\/a><\/p>\n