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

#5 Renault: Daniel Ricciardo - 7th

F1 Grand Prix of China - Qualifying

He won here in 2018 and finally managed to score some points!

Few drivers are as highly regarded on the grid as they are admired and Daniel Ricciardo, the man behind one of F1's most infectious smiles, finally found some himself thanks to a solid drive at China.

Beginning his Chinese GP challenge from a respectable seventh place, the Australian did well enough to hold onto that spot throughout - even as his teammate failed to finish the 56-lap journey, retiring early on.

But it has to be said, the 2019 Chinese GP served a great deal of confidence to a driver who was raring to go. So with that in mind, well done Dan!

Driver Rating: 7/10

Nico Hulkenberg - DNF

F1 Grand Prix of China

Over the course of the past few years, Nico Hulkenburg has forged his reputation for being one of the most dependable characters in the midfield and only added a few stars to it by lending his experience and solidity to a side he so passionately serves at present in Renault.

But that being said, this GP wasn't the most memorable one for the German driver, who begun from a solid eighth on the grid but had to retire from the race - owing to a technical malfunction.

No worries, Nico. You can always begin again and come back stronger in the next race.

Driver Rating: 3/10