Hamilton predicts 'closest' fight with Vettel

Shanghai - Formula 1 heads to the third race of the season with a genuine championship battle between Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel now shaping up.

The pair have each won a grand prix and finished second so far in 2017, with one analysis saying the Ferrari is better in warmer conditions while the Mercedes prefers the cold.

Battle brewing

Hamilton admitted after winning in China: "The cold helped us here."

But his boss Toto Wolff insisted: "I don't see a pattern so far."

Chinese GP - As it happened 

Hamilton continued after Shanghai: "It is very, very close. There were times when Sebastian put laps in and it was hard to match it. Then there were other times in the race when I was quicker.

The Briton added: "It's going to be one of the closest if not the closest fight I've experienced."