It's safe to say that no one could've predicted the outcome of this weekend's Formula 1 Grand Prix of China. Heck, not even the man who ended up winning the race, Red Bull Racing's Daniel Ricciardo. As a result, fans and drivers alike have taken to social media to share their happiness or displeasure with how things unfolded in China.
The nail-biting and somewhat tumultuous race delivered more action in two hours than the entire 2016 racing season did, and that's a very, very good thing. Much like in Australia, the race was somewhat decided by the timing of the safety car deployment following the crash of the Toro Rosso teammates on Turn 14. But to say that the safety car was the only factor in Ricciardo's victory would be a huge mistake, as Vettel's collision, Hamilton's bad luck, and other important factors all added the Australian's good fortunes.
Daniel Ricciardo: First Place
Holy everything. Starting to come down.. Slowly. Thank you for the kind words. Today meant a lot pic.twitter.com/v1pvEzwbiI
— Daniel Ricciardo (@danielricciardo) April 15, 2018
The most charismatic driver on the Formula 1 grid showed his excitement and outright shock as he climbed out of his race car on parc ferme. The last-minute decision to pit for fresh tires gave Ricciardo the tools he needed to own the Shanghai International Circuit in commanding fashion.
Valtteri Bottas: Second Place
2nd today ????
— Valtteri Bottas (@ValtteriBottas) April 15, 2018
The team did amazing job today, but today was not for us. We won’t give up ????????#VB100 #VB77 #F1 #ChineseGP @MercedesAMGF1 pic.twitter.com/IkTJkG77mI
The second spot of the podium would be good enough for most Formula 1 drivers, but not for Valtteri Bottas, who often has to take the backseat due to his teammate Hamilton's winning ways.
Kimi Raikkonen: Third Place
The world's least outspoken man took to his only social media to sum up his feelings in just one word. Never change Kimi Raikkonen, never change.
Lewis Hamilton: Fourth Place
Lots of learnings from this weekend. I am so grateful to the fans for their incredible support out here, #TeamLHChina, thank you so much ????????. The full focus is now on Baku and to push for the top result there. @MercedesAMGF1 pic.twitter.com/RAZowf3A5b
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) April 15, 2018
For the second weekend in a row, Lewis Hamilton has failed to perform for one reason or another. As usual, his post-race message to his fans was that of a cheerful and grateful champion.
Max Verstappen: Fifth Place
Congrats to @danielricciardo for his great win. Unfortunately I made a mistake and hit Seb. That compromised both our races. There is nothing I can change now except analyse my performance and come back stronger. Apologies to @redbullracing who did an amazing job. #ChineseGP pic.twitter.com/DF8x2aIgjx
— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) April 15, 2018
It's safe to say that Verstappen should avoid visiting Italy for at least a few weeks following his ramming of Vettel on the infamous Turn 14. The collision ruined Vettel's chances of winning the race or at least finishing on the podium.