P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Sainz: Leclerc start battle "cost us a lot" in F1 Chinese GP
Leclerc and Sainz started the race in sixth and seventh positions but lost places to George Russell and Nico Hulkenberg in the first corner complex at Shanghai. Sainz was pushed wide in Turn 2 by Leclerc who was struggling with tire temperature, leading to a dramatic moment for Leclerc in the second sector. Leclerc overtook Russell on lap 9, while Sainz had to wait for Russell to pit before getting clear air after the mid-race safety car period. Sainz mentioned that starting positions affected their race, and praised the team’s effort for finishing fifth. Ferrari had a challenging weekend in Shanghai due to lack of pace on the harder Pirelli compound, prompting the team to reflect on setup and performance for future races. Leclerc and Sainz had on-track battles earlier in the weekend, but they resolved the matter internally as Sainz prepares to leave Ferrari at the end of the season.
