Charles Leclerc was left perplexed by an interesting radio message from his Ferrari team during sprint qualifying at the F1 Chinese Grand Prix. At the end of SQ2, Leclerc was told to concede track position to Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton during their out laps at the end of SQ2.

The new Formula 1 season is only two races old, but Ferrari's points deficits already make for grim reading. After finishing 15 points shy of a constructors' championship at the end of last year, the Italian team is already 61 points adrift of McLaren in the team standings this season.

Lewis Hamilton finished fifth in practice for the Australian Grand Prix as his Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc led the way in Melbourne. Leclerc ended Formula One’s first running of the new season 0.124 seconds ahead of McLaren driver and home favourite Oscar Piastri.