Lewis Hamilton predicts closest ever title tussle after win

Lewis Hamilton has predicted the closest title battle of his career after he joined Sebastian Vettel at the summit of the Formula One championship following a crushing victory in China.

Hamilton claimed his fifth win here in Shanghai after leading every lap in the inclement conditions as Vettel, who took the chequered flag in Australia a fortnight ago, recovered from fifth to finish six seconds adrift of his title rival.

Dutch teenager Max Verstappen produced another virtuoso display to complete the podium after he rose 13 places from 16th on the grid - including a sensational nine on the opening lap - to cement his status as the rising star of the sport.