Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton gears up for Sebastian Vettel battle

Lewis Hamilton’s so-called ‘bromance’ with Sebastian Vettel has become a defining storyline of the new season, but the Briton is not anticipating a messy break-up even if their title battle goes the distance this year.

The championship now appears a straight shootout between Hamilton, in Mercedes silver, and Vettel, of Ferrari red, after the former joined his rival at the top of the standings with victory here in China.

Vettel soared to the chequered flag in Melbourne a fortnight ago, but Hamilton responded in emphatic fashion by leading every lap on Sunday to level the series at one round each as the circus heads west to Bahrain.