F1 Chinese GP Driver Ratings: Lewis Hamilton rules at Shanghai, Ferrari play catch-up to Mercedes

#1 Mercedes: Lewis Hamilton - 1st

F1 Grand Prix of China

Well, what can anyone say about Lewis Hamilton, a driver who didn't begin from pole in F1's 1000th race, yet somehow found a way to seize the moment? There are records, there are sensational records and then, there's a grizzly stack of a kind that only Lewis can amass.

Now, with 75 race wins against his name, 84 pole positions, all of which have resulted in a fantastic aggregate of five world titles, it remains to be seen whether anyone can stop Lewis from conquering the all-important F1 glory: surpassing Michael's illustrious record.

To that end, Lewis, who made up a place inside the opening lap itself, in fact, seconds from the race going green, demonstrated class and commitment to call Hammertime upon his naysayers and rivals.

Driver Rating: 9.5/10

Valtteri Bottas - 2nd

F1 Grand Prix of China

Make no mistake, Valtteri Bottas is still very much at the business end of the Drivers' Standings to begin the 2019 F1 season, even as his more experienced teammates has eclipsed him to take top spot after securing the second victory of 2019.

Yet Bottas, who started on pole, may surely be dreading the chance to have clinched one of the sport's most historic moments - winning the pinnacle of racing's 1000th Grand Prix. Still though, you'd happily take P2 anyday and a one-two finish for Mercedes helps their cause with tougher tests to come.

Driver Rating: 8/10