Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes snared his first win of the Formula One season in the Chinese Grand Prix with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen completing the podium.

Hamilton won from pole position as he was unaffected by both virtual and real safety car phases in the early running of the 56-lap race around the 5.451-kilometre Shanghai International circuit.

Ferrari’s Vettel held onto his second position without having threatened the win while Verstappen’s third completed a remarkable run from 16th in his Red Bull after a software problem hampered his qualifying.

Australia’s Daniel Ricciardo, also in a Red Bull, was fourth.

Hamilton and Vettel are now tied for the lead in the drivers’ championship after a reverse of the result from the opening Australian GP.