Oscar Piastri claimed a dominant victory at the Chinese Grand Prix, finishing 10 seconds ahead of McLaren teammate Lando Norris in a commanding performance.
The Australian converted his pole position into his first win of the 2025 season, cementing his title credentials with a clinical drive in Shanghai.
In stark contrast, Lewis Hamilton endured another difficult day at Ferrari, finishing sixth and trailing 25 seconds behind the race winner.
The seven-time world champion faced multiple challenges throughout the race, including tense exchanges with his race engineer and having to yield position to teammate Charles Leclerc.
Lewis Hamilton had a nightmare race as Oscar Piastri won the Chinese Grand Prix
Reuters
Hamilton's struggles continue as he adapts to life at his new team.
Hamilton's frustration was evident in his radio communications with race engineer Riccardo Adami.
"Give me some feedback guys, come on. I need some feedback of where I'm losing," Hamilton demanded during the race.
When Adami replied "Exit 13," Hamilton snapped back: "Yeah you told me that already."
This exchange highlighted ongoing communication issues between the pair, following complaints in Melbourne where Hamilton felt Adami was providing too much information.
In Shanghai, the problem appeared reversed, with Hamilton imploring: "Come on, I need some feedback on where I am losing (time)."
The tense dialogue underscored the adjustment challenges Hamilton faces in his new Ferrari environment.
Perhaps the most difficult moment for Hamilton came when he was instructed to let teammate Charles Leclerc pass him, despite Leclerc's front wing being damaged from an earlier collision.
The team radio revealed Hamilton's reluctance: "I'll let Charles through when he's closer."
When Adami insisted, "Can we swap this lap," Hamilton firmly responded: "I'll tell you when we can swap."
Oscar Piastri landed victory in Shanghai, with McLaren team-mate Lando Norris coming second
Reuters
Hamilton eventually yielded position at the start of lap 21, with an unimpressed Leclerc commenting: "This is a shame. The pace is there."
Leclerc went on to finish fifth despite his damaged wing, while Hamilton crossed the line in sixth, both drivers having been overtaken by Max Verstappen.
Despite the challenging race, Hamilton managed to secure a small consolation by setting the fastest lap of the Grand Prix.
After the chequered flag, Hamilton maintained a positive outlook, saying: "Guys I know that was tough. Not the result that we wanted but let's keep pushing.
Lewis Hamilton's tough start to life at Ferrari continues
Reuters
"There's improvements we can make, for sure. Let's not give up."
Adami responded supportively: "Yep. We did the maximum, you did the maximum with the pace we had."
The Formula 1 season continues in two weeks with the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka on April 6.
Hamilton's Ferrari journey remains a work in progress as he calls for patience during this transition period.
