Hamilton wins Chinese Grand Prix as Rosberg fumes

Mercedes Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain celebrates after winning the Chinese F1 Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit, April 12, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

Vettel, who stunned dominant Mercedes to win in tropical Malaysia two weeks ago, took third behind Rosberg with the second Ferrari of Kimi Raikkonen fourth.

Hamilton was cruising almost five seconds ahead of Rosberg until Max Verstappen's Torro Rosso stopped on the pit straight two laps from the end, bringing out the safety car.

"The safety car at the end wasn't helpful for anyone because it's an anti-climax," said Hamilton, whose only trouble of a near-flawless weekend was an overheating cockpit.

Starting from pole, Hamilton darted aggressively into turn one and he picked up the pace over the second half of the race.

Twenty laps in, Rosberg tetchily told his team: "Tell Lewis to speed up.

Hamilton, who had been protecting his tires, obliged and quickly established a comfortable gap over the German.

Vettel failed to produce another upset as Mercedes resumed normal service.

"We tried everything we could today," said the four-time world champion. "We were able to put some pressure on them, especially in the beginning of the race.

"Towards the end they were just too quick."